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III 

3 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 


IB;  1Do0tDortl^  Crodter 
THE  LAST  STRAW 


PAWNS    OF    WAR 


A  PLAY 


BY 


BOSWORTH  CROCKER 


WITH   A   FOREWORD 


BY 

JOHN  GALSWORTHY 


BOSTON 

LITTLE,  BROWN,  AND  COMPANY 

1918 


Copyright,  igiSf 
By  Little,  Brown,  and  Company. 


All  rights  reserved 
Published  January,  1918 


For  rights  of  production  address  the  author 
in  care  of  Little,  Brown,  and  Company 


TYPOGRAPHY  BY  THE  PLIMPTON  PRKSS,  N05W00D,  MASS.,  XT.S.A. 
PMNTED    BY    S.    J.    PARKHILL    4    CO.,    BOSTON,    MASS.,    U.S.A. 


FOREWORD 

THE  invasion  of  neutralised  Belgium,  according 
to  plan,  by  the  "leader  of  civilisation,"  in  the 
face  of  an  aghast  world,  was  surely  the  masterpiece 
of  cynicism  —  perhaps  the  most  cynical  act  and  the 
greatest  piece  of  folly  the  world  has  ever  seen.  Strong 
language,  if  the  tale  of  the  world's  cynicism  and  folly 
since  the  beginning  of  time  be  passed  in  review.  Coun- 
tries little  and  great  have  been  invaded  without  cause 
time  and  again,  treaties  torn  up,  and  all  manner  of 
bad  faith  kept.  But  this  is  the  twentieth  century; 
international  arbitration  is  more  than  a  mere  notion; 
world  communications,  wireless  telegraphy,  flying, 
and  other  summits  of  civilisation  have  been  reached. 
And  this  act  was  done,  this  folly  committed,  by  the 
State  which  through  a  million  tongues  and  pens 
claimed  for  itself  leadership  of  the  civilised  world, 
and  the  crown  of  human  intelligence. 

Persons  possessed  by  a  single  idea,  even  if  it  be  only 
that  of  their  own  importance,  are  perpetually  driven 
by  it  to  the  doing  and  saying  of  what  lacks  perspec- 
tive and  the  virtue  of  proportion.  Just  proportion 
is  the  hallmark  of  true  civilisation,  as  it  is  the  essen- 
tial quality  of  true  art.  The  invasion  of  neutral- 
ized Belgium  was  an  act  that  could  only  have  been 
committed  by  a  nation  blinded  to  all  sense  of  propor- 
tion by  the  single  idea  of  its  own  importance.    That 


VI  FOREWORD 


any  European  people,  at  this  time  of  day,  should 
thus  conceive  the  notion  of  being  more  important 
than  their  neighbours  would  make  one  smile  if  it 
had  not  made  the  whole  world  weep.  In  our  epoch 
one  expects  a  little  more  cosmic  philosophy  than  that 
from  a  great  nation.  But  countless  military  and 
professional  minds  and  millions  of  their  followers 
had  reached  a  conclusion  unbelievably  provincial, 
and  proceeded  to  push  that  conclusion  to  ends  in- 
credibly dreadful. 

The  entrance  of  America  into  the  war  is  causing 
Germany  to  search  her  heart  at  last  for  the  reason 
why  she  has  no  friends,  and  for  the  way  to  remedy 
that  state  of  things.  The  way  is  transparently  clear: 
Let  her  democratise  herself,  and  cease  to  teach  pa- 
triotism in  her  schools.  Patriotism  should  be  a  free, 
a  spontaneous  growth,  or  it  becomes  mischievous 
provincialism.  State-taught  patriotism  has  led  to 
that  masterpiece  of  cynicism,  or  of  blindness  —  call 
it  which  you  will  —  that  even  now  staggers  the  world. 

But  the  folly  of  the  strategy  which  conceived  that 
masterpiece  is  only  just  beginning  to  be  generally  real- 
ised. The  war  would  have  been  won  by  Germany,  and 
all  her  aims  achieved  at  least  two  years  ago,  if  only  she 
had  not  invaded  Belgium  —  had  stood  strictly  on  the  de- 
fensive against  France,  and  at  once  attacked  the  old, 
autocratic  Russia  with  all  her  might.  A  short  war, 
hegemony  in  the  Balkans,  and  a  clear  road  for  her 
schemes  in  Asia  Minor  —  all  that  was  wanted  for  the 
moment,  all  that  she  had  expected  to  gain  without 
having  to  fight  at  all,  for  she  never  really  believed 
that   Russia   would   fight  —  such   would   have   been 


FOREWORD  vii 


the  outcome  of  that  "frischer,  frohlicher  Krieg."  No 
compHcations  with  England,  Italy,  Japan,  America. 
No  loss  of  her  colonies,  nor  forfeiting  of  the  world's 
friendship,  no  great  interruption  to  her  commerce, 
no  ruin  or  starvation  for  her  people.  When  Prussian 
militarism  is  killed  at  last,  the  word  "Belgium"  will 
be  found  graven  on  its  heart. 

"Pawns  of  War"  is  a  play  woven  round  this  mon- 
strous piece  of  cynicism  and  folly.  It  has  a  sustained 
crescendo  .  .  .  very  gripping  and  should  play  extremely 
well.  I  congratulate  the  author  on  having  written 
a  play  that  is  so  well  worth  while,  so  lifelike  and  so 
forceful. 

John  Galsworthy 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 


CHARACTERS 

Dr.  Albert  Esterlinck,  surgeon  and  burgomaster  of 

Aerschel 

Angela,  his  wife 

Marianne,  their  daughter 

Bernard,  their  son 

RiTTA,  their  serving-maid 

Father  Antoine,  a  priest 

Jean  Groux     ).    ..  .      u . t    u  * 

_.  T.  ^         >  m  the  service  of  the  burgomaster 

Pierre  Navez  ) 

AcKERMANN,  an  old  man 

Jules  Wirtz,  a  crippled  Belgian  veteran 

HiESSLiNG,  a  drunkard 

General  Ludwig  von  Wahlhayn  of  the  German  army 

Falkenhorst,  General  von  Wahlhayn's  Chief  of  Staff 

Barnstorff  )  members   of   General    von  Wahlhayn's 

RiCHTER         )      Staff 

German  Orderlies 

Belgian  Citizens 


THE  FIRST  ACT 

The  scene  is  laid  in  Belgium-,  in  the  home  of  Doctor 
Albert  Esterlinck,  surgeon  and  burgomaster  of  Aerschel. 
The  time  is  toward  the  end  of  summer,  IdlJf.  Two  men 
are  standing  in  a  long,  rather  low-ceiled  room,  talking 
together  in  cautious  undertones.  A  large  window  to 
the  left.  Quaint  window  seat  deep  sunk  in  the  thick 
wall.  Door  back  leads  to  dining  room.  Door  right 
leads  to  wide  hall.  At  long  intervals,  people  with  fire- 
arms pass  down  this  hall;  those  who  carry  revolvers  lay 
them  on  a  stout  table,  those  with  rifles  hand  them  to  the 
man  behind  the  table,  who  stacks  them  in  the  corner  of 
the  hall.  In  this  living  room  are  a  handsome  cabinet, 
a  long  Flemish  stove,  a  carved  chest,  curious  brass  and 
pewter  dishes,  and  bits  of  valuable  tapestry. 
ACKERMANN  {givcs  his  rifle  to  attendant,  looks  into  living 

room,  salutes  Navez  and  Groux  and  walks  in) 

A  bad  day's  work,  this,  for  Aerschel! 

[^Navez  paces  up  and  down  the  room  excitedly, 

GROUX 

The  town's  ruined. 

ACKERMANN 

Think  of  it  —  twenty  of  our  best  men  shot  down 
Hke  dogs! 

GROUX 

They  got  some  good  work  in  before  they  were  killed; 
more  than  one  Boche  they  had  picked  off. 


'4?;;/;.  pawns  of  war 

ACKERMANN 

We  can  thank  our  stars  the  whole  town  wasn't 
wiped  out  after  that. 

NAVEZ 

We  can  thank  the  burgomaster. 

ACKERIVIANN 

Howd'ye  Hke  this  job  he's  given  you,  taking  our 
rifles  away  from  us?  I'd  rather  he'd  ordered  me 
shot.     And  why  are  we  piHng  our  guns  up  here? 

GROUX 

They've  made  an  end  of  the  town  hall  —  one  whole 
side  gutted  out. 

NAVEZ 

It's  a  God's  blessing  they  didn't  make  an  end  of 
the  burgomaster. 

GROUX 

Time  enough  yet  for  that  or  any  other  devil's  work. 
{Hiessling  slouches  in  unsteadily  behind  the  little 
group  and  drops  down  on  the  window  seat. 

ACKERMANN 

Good  God  Almighty!  I  can't  make  it  out.  We're 
minding  our  own  business,  and  all  of  a  sudden  we're 
dragged  into  this  and  blown  sky-high.  I  wouldn't 
mind  dying  if  I  could  give  them  all  a  good  dose  of 
lead  first. 

HIESSLING 

Why  —  didn'  —  we  —  let  'em  go  —  through  — 
peaceful .  .  . 

QEOUX 

Shut  up,  you  drunken  fool. 

HIESSLING 

Yes  —  let    'em  —  go !    Let  'em  —  go  —  to  hell! 


PAWNS  OF  WAK 


{Swaggers   across   the  room  into  hall  and  starts  to 
pick  up  a  rifle. 
NAVEZ  (peremptorily) 
Take  it  away  from  him. 
{Attendant  prevents  Hiessling  from  taking  the  rifle. 

GROUX 

You'll  get  run  through  with  a  bayonet  if  you  try 
any  of  those  monkey-shines  around  here. 

HIESSLING 

Goin'  —  be  —  soger. 

GROUX 

Where's  your  gun,  Hiessling.^ 

HIESSLING 

Sold  —  my  —  lil  —  gun  —  to  —  Peter. 

NAVEZ 

If  Peter  wants  to  keep  on  living,  he'll  turn  that  gun 
in. 

GROUX 

And  damned  quick,  too ! 
ACKERMANN  (as  a  gray-haired  man  limps  in) 

Here  comes  Wirtz;  perhaps  he'll  have  something  to 
tell  us.  Well,  Wirtz,  you're  bringing  her  in,  I  see. 
[Wirtz  hands  over  his  rifle. 

WIRTZ 

I'm  bringing  her  in,  I  am;  after  forty  years  I'm 
giving  up  my  gun.  Well,  our  poor  soldiers  —  God 
knows  where  they  are  now!  And  only  God  and  the 
Boches  know  what's  become  of  the  boys  General 
Bergheroff  sent  out  yesterday. 
ACKERMANN  (looks  eagerly  at  Groux  and  Navez) 
They  say  the  burgomaster's  youngest  son  was  one 
of  them? 


8  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

WIRTZ 

Yes,  Baldwin  Esterlinck  led  them  all.  The  lads 
fought  for  the  chance  to  lead.  That  was  a  sight 
to  remember.  "Who  knows  the  country  to  the  north 
best.f*"  sings  out  our  general,  and  every  mother's 
son  of  them  yelled  out,  '*I  do!"  But  Baldwin 
Esterlinck,  he  pushed  his  way  to  the  front  of  the 
boys,  right  under  his  father's  very  eyes,  and  called 
out:  "I  do.  Don't  I,  Father.?"  Doctor  Ester- 
linck, he  stood  still  a  minute,  but  he  had  to  answer. 
"You  know  it  well,  my  son."  You  should  have 
seen  the  look  on  him,  just  as  though  he'd  like  to 
grab  the  boy  up  and  run  away  with  him.  Any- 
how, it  seemed  that  way  to  me.  "All  right,"  said 
the  general,  "then  you  lead,  my  boy."  He  stopped 
short  and  stared  at  the  ground  for  a  minute,  then 
he  looked  them  straight  in  the  eyes.  "Boys!  Take 
a  good  look;  you  may  never  see  Aerschel  again." 
They  didn't  turn  a  hair,  just  saluted  and  huzzaed 
.  .  .  "Ride  like  the  devil!"  he  called  after  them. 
And  they  made  the  dust  fly.  Not  a  lad  older 
than  sixteen,  not  a  mother's  son  of  them.  And 
the  burgomaster's  son  called  out  to  his  father, 
"Good-by,  Father,"  as  though  it  was  a  picnic  he 
was  going  to. 

GBOUX 

S-s-h !    Here's  Mrs.  Esterlinck.     She's  not  to  know. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (the  hurgomaster's  wife  is  a  matronly 
woman  of  forty-three.     Good-natured  face.     Kind  gray 
eyes.    Brooding,  perplexed  expression) 
Pierre,  do  you  know  — 
[^She  stops  short  on  seeing  Ackermann  and  Wirtz, 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  9 

WIRTZ 

Well,  what  do  you  think,  Mrs.  Esterlinck,  they've 
fired  Granny  Misch's  house.  For  ten  years  she's 
worked  like  a  dray  horse,  worked  her  poor  old  fingers 
to  the  bone  to  pay  off  that  mortgage,  and  now  only 
the  ground  is  left  for  her  little  grandchild,  and  no 
deed  to  show  for  that! 

NAVEZ 

Nobody's  going  to  pick  up  her  land  and  run  away 
with  it,  as  though  it  was  horses. 

GROUX 

Or  cows. 

ACKERMANN 

Or  food. 

NAVEZ 

Or  clothes. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Poor  old  Granny  Misch! 

ACKERMANN 

Who  had  the  mortgage? 

WIRTZ 

Old  Tonniquet  that  owned  the  smelting  works. 
They  shot  him  this  morning. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Why  do  they  burn  down  the  houses  and  kill  innocent 
people? 
WIRTZ  (bitterly) 

Reprisal,  they  call  it. 

MRS.  ESTERLINCK 

It  seems  to  me  just  plain  murder.  If  only  the 
boys  and  Marianne  would  come  home.  My  poor 
Marianne,  she's  worried  to  death  over  Paul. 


10  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

ACKERMANN  (low  toue  to  Wirtz) 

Paul? 
WIRTZ  {same  tone) 

Paul  Donnet. 

ACKERMANN 

Oh,  I  know  —  tall,  light  fellow,  captain  of  his  com- 
pany. 
[Wirtz  nods. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  only  think  of  it!  To-morrow  was  to  be  their 
wedding  day.  They  put  it  off  last  June  on  account 
of  Bernard.  We  were  all  afraid  Bernard  would 
never  get  well. 

NAVEZ 

That's  one  thing  you've  got  to  be  thankful  for. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

K  he'd  only  get  his  strength  back!  Yes,  Marianne 
and  Paul  were  to  be  married  to-morrow.  We 
didn't  think  then  that  all  this  would  happen  and 
that  Paul  would  be  away  fighting,  we  don't  know 
where,  on  the  day  that  was  to  be  his  wedding  day. 
[Marianne  Esterlinck  comes  in.  She  is  a  lithe,  grace- 
ful girl  with  vivid  gray  eyes  now  black  from  excitement. 
Her  chin  is  quivering,  and  she  can  hardly  speak. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Mother! 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (startled) 

Marianne!  What's  the  matter?  What's  happened 
now? 

MARIANNE 

Father's  a  hostage.  They've  taken  Father  as  a  hos- 
tage.   Father!    Think  of  it.  Mother  —  any  one  —  a 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  11 

drunken  man  —  Hiessling  here,  can  shoot  a  German 
soldier,  and  Father  pays  for  it  —  with  his  life. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

That  can't  be  possible. 

MARIANNE 

It*s  true.  It*s  true.  One  of  our  own  soldiers, 
Leon  Neef,  told  me  so.  He's  been  hiding  since  day- 
break. He  got  separated  from  his  company  when 
our  soldiers  were  driven  out.  There  were  German 
soldiers  all  around.  The  Donnets  took  him  in  and 
hid  him  in  a  closet  behind  boxes  and  clothes.  I 
saw  him  dressed  up  as  an  old  woman.  Now  he*s 
got  away.  He's  taking  messages  to  our  general. 
He  promised  me  to  speak  to  Paul,  if  he  ever  gets 
back  to  the  boys  —  if  he  ever  does. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

That  soldier's  crazy.  Your  father  —  why,  he's 
burgomaster. 

MARIANNE 

And  so  he's  held  responsible;  they  make  him  re- 
sponsible for  everything.  Something's  going  to 
happen  to  him  before  it's  all  over,  something's 
going  to  happen  to  Father. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

That  isn't  possible  .  .  .  The  burgomaster!  It 
isn't  possible. 

MARIANNE 

Mother,  don't  you  understand  —  just  because  he 
is  burgomaster. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Going  without  his  meals  —  no  sleep  —  not  a  minute 
to  himself! 


1^ PAWNS  OF  W.^ 

MARIANNE 

Somebody'U  do  some  shooting,  somebody's  bound 
to.  How  can  they  help  it?  It  wouldn't  be  human 
not  to. 

MRS.   ESTERMNCK 

But  they'll  have  nothing  to  shoot  with.  They're 
bringing  in  all  their  arms :  we're  stacking  them  down 
cellar. 

MARIANNE 

All  of  them  won't  bring  them  .  .  .  Don't  you  be- 
heve  it,  Mother. 

BiRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Even  Hiessling  here. 
{^Painting  to  him. 

HIESSLING 

Sol'  —  my  —  rifle  —  to  —  Peter. 

MARIANNE 

What  did   I   tell  you,  Mother?    They're   keeping 
them    back.     We    might    as  well   say  good-by   to 
Father. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (firm  in  her  simple  faith) 

But  your  father's  ordered  the  guns  turned  in. 
They've  got  to  do  what  the  burgomaster  wants. 

MARIANNE 

What  do  men  care  for  orders  when  they're  driven 
about  like  wild  beasts.  They  don't  want  to  give 
up  their  rifles  now;  they  want  to  use  them.  .  .  .  But 
they  mustn't,  they  mustn't!  And  Father  helping 
to  save  those  German  soldiers ! 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

But  he's  a  surgeon,  and  a  surgeon  has  to  do  a  sur- 
geon's work. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  13 

MARIANNE 

I'd  let  my  right  hand  rot  off  before  I'd  raise  it  to 
help  one  of  them. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Oh,  Marianne,  you  say  that! 

MARIANNE 

Not  if  one  of  them  was  dying  at  my  feet. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

You  say  that,  Marianne;  it's  easy  to  talk,  but  when 
a  man's  dying,  then  you'd  do  anything  for  him. 

WIRTZ 

Don't  you  think  it,  Mrs.  Esterlinck.  ,  When  I  was 
a  lad  I  had  those  fine  ideas.  But  I've  had  a  taste 
of  war  in  my  time.  That  was  in  1870,  for  I  was 
brought  up  in  France.  My  leg  here,  it  speaks  for 
itself;  but  for  it  I'd  be  tasting  blood  along  with  the 
boys  yet.  But  if  ever  there  was  hell  on  earth  — 
death  and  hell !  And  it  was  you  or  the  other  fellow. 
You  lost  what  soul  you  ever  had  till  you  or  him  lay 
flat.  Then  you  remembered,  then  you  got  human 
again.  Talk  about  your  fine  feelings  —  the  dead 
and  the  dying  —  you  get  so  used  to  them  you  don't 
mind  them  no  more  than  dead  flies. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Where's  Baldwin?    And  Bernard?    They  ought  to 
be  at  home.    Anything  might  happen  .  .  . 
NAVEZ  {calls  out  from  hall) 
Oh,  no,  Mrs.  Esterhnck. 

GROUX 

Your  boys  are  all  right. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

I  haven't  laid  my  eyes  on  Baldwin  since  yesterday 


14  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

morning.  I  didn't  hear  him  last  night.  He  went 
without  his  breakfast  this  morning.  Bernard  prom- 
ised to  bring  him  home.  Where's  Bernard  staying 
all  this  time,  hours  and  hours? 

MARIANNE 

It  can't  be  so  long,  Mother.  It  seems  longer  to 
you  than  it  really  is. 

\_NaveZy  Groux,  WirtZy  and  Ackermann  are  in  the 
hally  grouped  around  the  table,  talking  together  in  low, 
cautious  tones. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

And  Bernard  isn't  strong  yet;  he  can't  stand  much. 

MARIANNE 

Mother,  if  anything  had  happened,  you'd  have 
heard  of  it  by  this  time. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

It's  easy  enough  to  say  that. 

MARIANNE 

The  boys  are  all  right.     But  Father!    Now  they'll 
shoot  some  Boche  in  the  back,  and  then  Father'U 
be  shot. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {breaking  in) 

Who  would  want  to  shoot  your  father,  Marianne? 
Isn't  he  a  good  man?  And  the  burgomaster.  He 
couldn't  be  spared  for  a  minute.  And  who  would 
look  after  the  wounded?     Isn't  he   surgeon  here? 

MARIANNE 

Mother  —  can't  you  understand?  Father  is  a  hos- 
tage. If  there's  any  more  shooting,  Father'U  be 
shot. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Do  you  mean  to  say  they'd  let  them  shoot  Father? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  15 

MARIANNE 

Let  them! 
HiESSLiNG  {slowly  raising  himself  from  the  window  seat) 
If  —  th'    harm  —  a  —  hair  —  of  —  his  —  hie !  —  his 
head,  hie!  —  we'll   — kill  'em  —  kill  'em  all.     Hie! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

That's  quite  right,  Hiessling. 
ACKERMANN  {standing  in  the  doorway) 

Short  of  eating  a  square  meal,  there's  nothing  I'd 
like  better. 

MARIANNE 

No,  no,  you  mustn't  say  such  things.  You  mustn't, 
I  tell  you.  You're  to  do  as  my  father  wants  you 
to  do.  {To  Wirtz  who  has  come  into  the  room,  fol- 
lowed by  Navez  and  Groux.)  Make  them  do  it, 
Navez,  Mr.  Wirtz,  all  of  you,  make  them  bring  in 
every  firearm  in  town.  Make  them  understand  — 
tell  them  —  it's  Father's  life  —  my  father's  life. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK. 

That's  only  to  scare  them,  Marianne;  they  wouldn't 
really  shoot  Father. 

MARIANNE 

You  don't  know  what  they'll  do  to  Father. 
BERNARD  {hursts  in) 

Mother  —  I've  got  to  —  help  —  somehow  . . . 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Wait  till  you're  stronger,  Bernard.  See  —  you're 
all  of  a  tremble  now. 

BERNARD 

I've  got  to  help,  I've  got  to. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Where's  Baldwin?    Where've  you  been? 


16  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

BERNARD 

I'd  rather  die  than  stand  by  and  see  such  things. 
It  isn't  possible  to  do  nothing  ...  If  /  could  have 
gone  —  : 

IJSe  catches  Marianne's  warning  glance  and  breaks 
off  abruptly. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Gone?  Gone  where?  Has  Baldwin  gone  some- 
where? 

MARIANNE 

Bernard,  why  do  you  frighten  Mother? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Where's  Baldwin?    What's  become  of  him? 
BERNARD  (loith  assumcd  carelessness) 
Oh,  Baldwin's  all  right. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

I  must  go  out,  myself,  and  look  for  my  boy. 

BERNARD 

Don't  worry,  Mother,  he's  big  enough  to  look  out 
for  himself. 

NAVEZ 

Baldwin's  all  right. 

BERNARD 

Of  course  Baldwin's  all  right. 

MARIANNE 

Wouldn't  Father  know? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

It's  easy  to  say  that. 

^Navez  and  Groux  go  over  to  Hiessling,  rouse  him, 

and  walk  him  out  between  them. 

MARIANNE 

Now  don't  worry  any  more  about  Baldwin.    Don't 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  17 

you  think  about  Father?  Don't  you  think  about 
him  at  all? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

A  burgomaster  can  take  care  of  himself.  But  he 
ought  to  look  after  his  children,  too  .  .  .  riding  around 
with  that  German  general,  caring  for  his  men,  and 
his  own  people  waiting  here ! 

MARIANNE 

How   can   he    help    it?    You    said    so    yourself    a 
minute   ago:     "A   surgeon   has   to   do   a   surgeon's 
work."     Haven't  I   told  you  over  and    over  that 
Father's  — 
BERNARD  (breaks  in) 

What's  the  matter  with  Father?  What  are  you 
talking  about? 

MARIANNE 

But  —  Bernard  —  surely  you  — 

BERNARD 

Marianne! 

MARIANNE 

Mother  knows  —  I've  told  her. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Knows  what,  Marianne? 

MARIANNE 

That  Father's  a  hostage. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

He'll  manage  all  right,  he  always  does. 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  he'll  manage  all  right,  he'll  be  shot.  It  isn't 
what  Father  does,  Mother,  it's  what  the  people 
here  in  town  do.  Oh!  I  can't  believe  that  all  this 
has  happened.     (Goes  to  the  window  and  looks  out) 


18  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

Only  yesterday  the  green  grass  and  the  tall  trees 
and  the  fields  of  yellow  corn  .  .  .  and  now  .  .  . 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Just  the  same,  he  ought  to  be  at  home  —  a  boy  of 
fourteen. 

MARIANNE 

If  anything  had  happened  to  Baldwin,  we'd  have 
heard  of  it. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {to  the  men  in  the  hall  who  are  trying 
to  persuade  Hiessling  to  go  with  them) 
Come  —  all  of  you.  Let  the  poor  fellow  come  along, 
too.  He  isn't  doing  any  harm.  A  bowl  of  soup'U 
do  him  good,  perhaps. 

[_Mrs.  Esterlinck  leads  the  way  into  the  dining  room, 
Marianne  and  Bernard  are  left  alone. 

BERNARD 

God  knows  whafs  happened  to  Baldwin  by  this  time. 

MARIANNE 

What  do  you  mean.^^    What  have  you  heard  .^^ 

BERNARD 

Listen,  Marianne,  Mother's  not  to  know  this  —  what- 
ever comes. 

MARIANNE 

WeU?    Goon. 

BERNARD 

Father  doesn't  want  her  to  know. 

MARIANNE 

You  know  I  won't  tell  Mother. 

BERNARD 

Remember  now. 

MARIANNE 

Go  on,  tell  me. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 19 

BERNARD 

Well  then  —  Baldwin  was  one  of  the  boys  sent  out 
by  General  Bergheroff. 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  yes,  I  know  — 

BERNARD 

You  know? 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  yes,  go  on. 

BERNARD 

Baldwin  led  all  the  boys. 

MARIANNE 

Our  Baldwin !    Think  of  it ! 

BERNARD 

Yes,  tell  Trie  to  think  of  it!  Father  was  there  when 
they  started — the  edge  of  the  town  just  beyond  old 
Wirtz's  place. 

MARIANNE 

How  proud  Father  must  have  been. 

BERNARD 

They  all  begged  the  general  to  let  them  lead.  But 
Baldwin,  he  was  the  one  chosen.  {To  himself ^ 
quivering  with  repressed  passion)  I  should  have 
been  there.     I  should  have  been  the  one. 

MARIANNE 

And  that's  all  you've  got  to  tell  me,  Bernard? 

BERNARD 

All?  Isn't  that  enough?  You  think  that  nothing 
—  to  risk  his  life ! 

MARIANNE 

Do  I,  Bernard?  Let  me  tell  you  something  —  I 
knew  all  about  Baldwin  from  the  first,  from  the 


20  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

time  he  heard  that  General  Bergheroff  wanted 
scouts.  He  told  me  that  he  meant  to  go.  He  kept 
it  from  you  purposely.  He  didn't  want  Mother 
to  find  out.  He  knew  how  she'd  take  it.  I  tried 
every  way  to  persuade  him  not  to  go.  For  her 
sake.  I  begged  and  I  pleaded.  But  I  could  see 
that  he  meant  to  go. 

BERNARD 

It  was  my  place  to  go,  it  was  my  place ! 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  Bernard,  if  you'd  been  strong  enough,  but  — 

BERNARD 

You  kept  it  from  me.  You  took  my  chance  away 
from  me. 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin  went  for  your  sake  —  in  your  place. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  in  my  place.  I'm  strong  enough  to  ride  a 
horse.     I'm  strong  enough  to  carry  a  rifle. 

MARIANNE 

How  could  you  go,  Bernard,  ill  as  you've  been? 

BERNARD 

Why  did  you  keep  it  from  me?  Our  soldiers  driven 
out  of  town!  .  .  .  our  rifles  taken  away  from  us! 

MARIANNE 

Isn't  this  enough  —  all  this  horror?  Not  one  of 
the  boys  back  .  .  . 

BERNARD 

Not  one. 

MARIANNE 

You  don't  think  he's  been  killed  —  you  don't 
think  that?    Oh,  Bernard! 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  21 

BERNARD 

The  road  they  took  led  straight  into  the  enemy, 
straight  into  the  Uhlans  — 
MARIANNE  {with  quiet  despair) 
The  Uhlans  have  them  then. 

BERNARD 

Yes  —  if  they're  alive. 

MARIANNE 

The  Uhlans  have  them  —  living  or  dead. 

BERNARD 

Living  or  dead. 

MARIANNE 

It  will  kill  Mother. 

BERNARD 

She  mustn't  find  out. 

MARIANNE 

Not  at  once  —  not  right  away.     But  she's  got  to 
know  —  sometime. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  yes,  when  we've  heard  something. 

MARIANNE 

Oh !  what  shall  we  do ! 

BERNARD 

If  he's  safe  — 

MARIANNE 

Yes  — if— 

BERNARD 

Then  —  then  it's  time  enough  for  her  to  know. 

MARIANNE 

But  —  if  he  isn't  safe? 
BERNARD  {fearfully) 

If  he  missed  the  Uhlans  —  there  were  the  shells. 


^^  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MAiaANNE 

Mother's  got  to  know. 

BERNARD 

Not  yet!    Not  yet! 

MARIANNE 

I  told  her  he'd  been  home.  I  pulled  the  bed- 
clothes all  apart  to  make  her  think  he'd  been  home, 
sleeping.  She  thinks  he  went  out  after  Father  had 
gone. 

BERNARD 

She  keeps  asking  for  him. 

MARIANNE 

All  the  time. 

BERNARD 

How  are  we  going  to  let  her  know  the  truth? 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  I  don't  know  ...  I  don't  know. 

BERNARD 

Father  thinks  he  can  keep  it  from  her. 

MARIANNE 

How  long?    She's  got  to  know  sometime. 

BERNARD 

I  can't  ever  tell  her. 

MARIANNE 

No,  no,  you  mustn't.  Dear  Jesus,  isn't  this  horrible? 
(Enter  Father  Antdne.     He  carries  a  basket) 

BERNARD 

Here's  Father  Antoine. 

MARIANNE 

Father,  we  are  in  great  trouble. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  Father. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  .  23 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

This  is  indeed  great  trouble  that  has  come  upon  us 
aU. 

MARIANNE 

Father  Antoine,  we  want  you  to  help  us. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

My  child,  if  I  can  help  you  in  any  way. 

MARIANNE 

Father  —  it's  about  my  brother. 
FATHER  ANTOINE  {tuTus  to  Bernard) 
Your  brother? 

BERNARD 

Not  me,  Father.     Baldwin. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

The  little  brother. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  Father,  Baldwin. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Father,  we  don't  know  what's  happened  to  him. 

BERNARD 

Not  one  of  the  boys  the  General  sent  out  has  been 
seen  or  heard  from  —  not  one!     * 

MARIANNE 

And  Mother  doesn't  know  that  Baldwin  was  one  of 
them.     She  doesn't  know  it. 

BERNARD 

Should  she  be  told,  Father.^^ 

MARIANNE 

Shouldn't    she.    Father,    now  —  before  —  anything 
worse  —  happens? 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

I  think  the  mother  should  be  told. 


24  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

BERNARD 

But  if  Father  doesn't  want  —  . 
MARIANNE  {interrupts) 

Yes,  now  —  before  it's  too  late. 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

She  doesn't  know  that  your  brother's  in  danger? 

BERNARD 

She  suspects.     But  she  doesn't  know. 

MARIANNE 

Not  even  that  he  wasn't  at  home  last  night.  I 
scattered  the  bedclothes  all  around  to  make  her 
think  he'd  slept  in  the  bed. 

FATHER  ANTOINE  ^ 

You  mustn't  deceive  her. 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  but  I'm  afraid  she  can't  stand  it.  Father. 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

Every  hour  that  you  put  it  off  only  makes  it  the 
harder. 

MARIANNE 

Then,  Father  Antoine,  you  must  tell  her. 

BERNARD 

But  —  if  we  break  the  news  to  her  —  all  at  once 
—  suddenly  — 

MARIANNE 

Father  Antoine  will  know  how  to  tell  her,  Bernard. 

BERNARD 

Of  course,  Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Think,  Father  Antoine,  he  led  all  the  other  boys. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  25 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

Whatever  happens,  you'll  have  that  to  remember 
and  be  proud  of. 

MARIANNE 

Mother's  whole  heart's  set  on  Baldwin. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

The  youngest,  of  course  —  I  understand. 

MARIANNE 

She'll  never  live  through  it,  if  anything  happens  to 
him. 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

She  must  summon  the  courage  to  endure  it. 

MARIANNE 

And  don't  you  think.  Father,  if  something  hadn't 
happened,  we  would  have  heard  from  the  boys  by 
now? 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

We  mustn't  despair. 

MARIANNE 

Father  Antoine,  if  you  tell  her,  it  won't  be  so  bad 
then;  you  can  help  her  to  bear  it. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  Father. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

Call  her,  my  child.     I'll  ask  her  first  about  the  food 
and  bandages. 
BERNARD  (opeus  the  door  and  calls) 
Mother!  Mother! 

\^Mrs.  Esterlinck  comes  in.  She  doesn't  see  Father 
Antoine  at  once. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Is  it  Baldwin?    Has  Baldwin  — 


26  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

Father  Antoine,  Mother. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Oh,  Father,  I'm  sick  at  heart!  That  I  should  Hve  to 
see  this  day ! 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

We  must  help  all  we  can  and  find  our  consolation  in 
good  work. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Marianne,  get  Ritta  to  fill  Father  Antoine's  basket. 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  Mother. 

^Marianne  goes  out  with  basket. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

And    Bernard  —  bring    what     bandages     are    left 
.  .  .  Such  want  and  misery ! 
^Bernard  leaves  the  room. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

We  should  thank  God  for  the  power  of  helping  others 
—  as  your  husband  is  helping  —  with  our  own  lives, 
if  need  be. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  but  a  man  must  take  care  of  his  children. 
Father.  And  if  my  husband's  all  worn  out,  how's 
he  to  help  others? 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

He's  a  strong  man.  Daughter,  and  a  wise  man. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

He  should  look  after  his  children .  .  .  How  do  I 
know  what's  happening  to  Baldwin. 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

Your  children  are  all  good  children,  brave  children. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  27 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Brave  —  that's  just  it,  Father;  there's  no  holding 
them  back  —  not  one  of  them. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

You  should  be  glad  of  that,  Daughter:  now  is  the 
time  for  courage. 

^Marianne  returns  with  Ritta  who  carries  Father 
Antoine^s  basket. 

RITTA 

Good  day,  your  Reverence. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

Good  day,  Ritta.     You  have  filled  my  basket  quickly. 

MARIANNE 

I  am  sorry  there  is  nothing  more  to  spare  to-day. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

But  to-morrow  morning.  Father,  you  shall  have  it 
filled  again. 

{Bernard  returns  with  bandages.  Mrs.  Esterlinck 
'puts  them  in  the  basket. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

I  shall  be  here  with  my  basket.  {Looks  into  the 
basket)  You  have  given  most  generously.  And 
now,  before  I  go,  give  me  one  thing  more. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Gladly,  Father,  anything  I  have  to  give. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

What  I  want  you  to  give  me  now  is  your  promise 
that  you  will  be  brave  —  as  you  should  be  —  if 
this  trouble  at  our  doors  touches  you  more  closely. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK  H 

You  mean  my  husband  —  they've  made  him  .  .  . 
what  is  it,  Bernard? 


28  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

A  hostage,  Mother. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

No,  Daughter,  I  don't  mean  your  husband.  For 
him  there  is  nothing  but  gratitude.  He  has  saved 
the  town. 

MRS.    ESTERLmCK 

It  isn't  my  Baldwin  you  mean?  (Sinks  back  like 
one  stunned)     It's  Baldwin.     Baldwin's  dead. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

No,  but  if  that  were  our  blessed  Lord's  will  you 
should  thank  Him  that  your  boy  went  to  a  glorious 
death. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

I  can't  spare  him,  he  mustn't  die. 
\_Marianne  comes  back. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

Do  not  think  of  his  death  — 

MARIANNE 

He  isn't  dead,  Mother. 

BERNARD 

No,  no! 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

Do  not  think  of  his  death  or  his  danger.  Think 
only  of  his  courage,  leading  a  band  of  boys  all  older 
than  he  —  for  our  general  —  your  boy  of  fourteen. 
Doesn't  it  give  you  great  joy.'^ 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

I  am  afraid.  Father,  I  am  afraid. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

Pray  for  courage,  Daughter;  think  of  your  son's 
courage. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 


MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

O  God,  O  God!  —  if  he  is  only  alive  and  comes 
home  to  me! 

FATHER  ANTOINE 

Be  brave,  be  brave,  and  submit  yourself  to  the  will 
of  God. 

MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {dully) 

Yes,  Father. 

FATHER   ANTOINE 

[Father  Antoine  gets  up  and  takes  his  basket.     {Walks 
toward  hall,  Mrs.  Esterlinck  walks  by  his  side) 
Be  brave,  Daughter,  and  God  bless  you.     God  bless 
you,  children. 

[Mrs.  Esterlinck  goes  into  hall  with  him. 
BERNARD  (to  Marianne,  sinks  his  voice) 

We  shouldn't  have  told  him  .  .  .  (As  she  conies  back 
into  the  room)    See  how  pale  she  looks. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Some  one  must  go  after  him;  he's  only  a  child. 

MARIANNE 

Don't,  don't  give  up  so.  Mother.  Baldwin'U  come 
riding  home  soon,  safe  and  sound  .  .  .  And  think, 
Mother,  how  proud  you'll  be  of  him  then. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

It's  well  enough  for  you  to  talk  .  .  .  But  I  know  .  . . 
Why  do  they  send  out  boys?  Are  there  no  grown 
men  left  in  the  town.^^ 

BERNARD 

Baldwin  always  wanted  to  be  a  soldier;  now  he's 
got  a  soldier's  job.     If  /  had  got  the  chance  — 


so  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE  {at  the  window,  excitedly,  with  rejoicing  in  her 
tone) 
Look !     Mother !    Bernard ! 

BERNARD 

What .  .  .  ? 

MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {startS  Up) 

Baldwin  .  .  .  ? 

BERNARD 

No,  no,  Mother.     (Mrs.  Esterlinck  sinks  back  in  her 

chair)     It's  Father. 

[Goes  to  her  and  tries  to  comfort  her, 

MARIANNE 

Father!    Safe  home!    Safe  home! 

BERNARD 

Mother,  you  mustn't  give  up  like  this;  you  mustn't 
let  these  strange  soldiers  see  you  this  way. 

MARIANNE 

There  are  five  of  them.  Two  of  them  are  staying 
in  the  machine.  Now  they're  comibg.  (She  runs 
to  her  mother)  Be  brave.  Mother,  as  Father  Antoine 
said.  Think  of  poor,  poor  Father. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (summoning  Navez  and  Groux  to  him 
as  he  enters  the  living  room) 

Pierre!  Jean!  Get  ready  for  dictation.  Half  a 
minute  now. 

[Marianne  runs  up  to  him.  He  embraces  her.  Then 
he  embraces  his  wife,  who  gazes  past  him  toward  the 
hall  door. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Who  are  these  strange  men.? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

General  von  Wahlhayn  and  his  Staff .  ,  . 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  31 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

The  German  general.  .  .  ? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK  (a  CautioU  171  Ms  toTie) 

They're    going   to    make   the   house   headquarters, 
Angela. 
BERNARD  {under  his  breath) 
Headquarters  —  here ! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Our  house! 

MARIANNE  (cautlOUSly) 

These  strange  soldiers !     Oh,  Father! 
BERNARD  (bitterly,  under  his  breath) 

We  take  them  into  our  own  house  —  do  we? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

And  my  Baldwin  lying  out  in  the  woods  dead,  per- 
haps .  .  .  And  who  knows  .  .  .  perhaps  one  of  these 
very  soldiers  — 

MARIANNE 

Mother! 

BERNARD 

Father,  do  we  have  to  have  these  men  here,  here 
in  the  house  with  us? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

S-s-h!  my  son!     Walls  have  ears. 
[^General  von   Wahlhayn  and  Falkenhorst,  his  Chief 
of  Staj^  enter.     Falkenhorst  looks  at  Marianne  ad- 
miringly, then  turns  back  to  talk  with  Richter  and 
Barnstorff. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

While  my  family  looks  after  your  comfort.  General 
von  Wahlhayn,  I  will  dictate  the  proclamation  for 
my  people. 


32  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

Warn  them  well.     Make  them  understand  there's 
to  be  no  more  trifling. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

My    wife,    your    Excellency.     {General    von    Wahl- 

hayn  bows  formally) 

[^Mrs.   Esterlinck  acknowledges  his  silent  salutation 

with  a  timid  how 

My  son  and  daughter. 

[_All  how  silently. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Make    the    proclamation    clear.     Put    it    plainly: 

If  any  member  of  any  household  is  found  firing  at 

my   soldiers,    all   the   members   of   that   household 

shall  be  put  to  death. 

[Dr.    Esterlinck    and    General    von    Wahlhayn    step 

hack  into  the  hall. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {in  a  toue  of  dazed  despair) 

All!    All! 
MARIANNE  {in  a  tense  undertone) 

The  innocent  with  the  guilty  .  .  .  {as  her  father  comes 

in,  same  tone)    That  man  —  what  he  said  —  just  now 

—  it's  horrible  — 
DR.  ESTERLINCK   {wilh  a  look  and  gesture  he  silences 

her.     To  his  wife) 

Angela,  get  what  you  can  for  them  to  eat. 

BERNARD 

Feed  them,  too  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  {to  Bernard) 
You  show  them  up-stairs. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Let  Ritta  — 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  33 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

No. 
MARIANNE  (suddenly) 
Not  Baldwin's  room! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

No,  no,  not  Baldwin's  room! 

[^Marianne  leads  her  mother  into  the  dining  room, 
Barnard  conducts  General  von  Wahlhayn  and  his 
Staff  upstairs. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  (seats  himsclf  at  a  table  in  the  front  of 
living  room,  calls  out  to  his  men) 
Pierre !    Jean ! 

[_Navez  and  Groux  come  in,  and  he  motions  to  them 
to  sit  down. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  (begins  to  dictate  the  proclamation) 
Every  attack  on  German  troops  by  others  than  the 
military  in  uniform  not  only  exposes  those  who  may 
be  guilty  to  be  shot,  but  will  also  bring  further 
terrible  consequences  on  leading  citizens  now  held 
as  hostages  by  the  commander  of  the  German 
troops,  and  on  the  burgomaster  who — is — -himself 
—  a — hostage  ... 

(Pauses  in  his  dictation  as  Wirtz  followed  by  Bernard 
enters  from  hall,  catches  the  expression  on  Wirtz*s 
face) 

BERNARD  (intensively) 

What's  the  —  what  have  you  heard,  Wirtz? 

Dr.  Esterlinck 

{Taking  up  the  dictation,  repeats: 
Himself — a — hostage  .  .  .  (Goes  on  quickly:)     Cer- 
tain inhabitants  of  Aerschel  having  made  various 
attacks  upon  the  German  troops,  the  Commander 


34  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

General  has  already  caused  houses  to  be   burned 

down    and    twenty    leading    citizens    to    be    shot. 

Therefore:  All  inhabitants  are  hereby  warned — 
WIRTZ  {breaking  in  on  the  dictation) 

We've  got  word,  Dr.  Esterlinck. 

[^Dr.  Esterlinck  remains  silent. 
BERNARD  (cries  out) 

Father!    You  hear! 

WIRTZ 

About  your  boy  —  he  wouldn't  surrender  —  so  — 

BERNARD 

He's  dead,  Baldwin's  dead! 

WIRTZ 

They  shot  him  —  he  wouldn't  give  up. 
\^Dr.  Esterlinck^s  face  works  convulsively,  he  grips  the 
table;    gradually  he  regains  an  appearance  of  com- 
posure. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Pierre  .  .  .  Jean  ...  let  us  ...  go  on  ..  .  with  the  dic- 
tation .  .  . 

{^Bernard  steals  up  to  the  stack  of  revolvers  on  the  table 
in  the  hall,  and,  unseen,  slips  a  revolver  into  his  pocket. 

CURTAIN 


THE  SECOND  ACT 

Scene  is  the  same  as  in  Act  I. 
MARIANNE  {olonc  with  her  father  in  the  living  room. 
Voices  of  General  von  Wahlhayn  and  the  members 
of  his  Staff  are  heard  from  the  dining  room.  Some 
one  sings  snatches  of  German  songs) 
Father,  how  can  you  stand  it  to  hear  those  men 
laughing  and  singing  in  there? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

We  stand  what  we  have  to  stand. 
MARIANNE  (passionatcly) 

I  wish  every  mouthful  would  choke  them  —  choke 
them  —  They  Ve  killed  my  brother  —  killed  Bald- 
win. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

S-s-h,    Marianne!    You've    got    to    stop    this.     It 
won't  do  —  my  child. 
MARIANNE  (keeping  back  the  tears) 

Father  —  I  must  talk  to  some  one.  I  can't  stand 
it  any  longer  —  all  alone  . . . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

My  poor  child! 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin's  been  killed  .  .  .  and  now  —  Paul  —  he'll 
be  the  next  one.     And  not  a  soul  to  talk  to  .  . . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Women  know  best  what  to  say  to  young  girls. 


S6  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

I  can't  talk  to  Mother  now. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

She's  had  a  blow  she'll  never  get  over. 

MARIANNE 

Father  —  it  seems  selfish,  of  me,  I  know,  to  think 
of  myself  —  at  such  a  time  —  But  I'm  frightened 
to  death  about  Paul. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Time  enough,  child,  when  troubles  come.  Don't 
go  to  meet  them  halfway. 

MARIANNE 

Father,  I  can't  help  it. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Try  to  comfort  your  mother  a  little  now. 

MARIANT^E 

Don't  think  I'm  forgetting —  Baldwin  —  or  Mother 
.  . .  But  this  worry  about  Paul  —  all  to  myself  —  it 
seems  as  though  it  would  kill  me  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Think  of  your  mother  —  how's  she's  loved  you  all 

—  and  worked  and  worried  —  all  these  years  — 

MARIANNE 

I  do  think  of  her.     I  think  of  her  —  and  of  Baldwin 

—  all  the  time.  But  it  doesn't  help.  Father,  it  only 
makes  it  worse.  And  the  worry  about  Paul  keeps 
right  on.     Couldn't  you  get  some  word  — 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

If  anything  had  happened,  we'd  have  had  word. 

MARIANNE 

You  won't  keep  it  from  me  —  you'll  tell  me  — 
won't  you,  Father? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  37 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Whatever  happens.? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Yes.     There,  don't  cross  your  bridges  till  you  get 
to  them. 

MARIANNE 

Anything  —  anything  —  but  this  suspense. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Where's  your  mother.^^ 

MARIANNE 

Up-stairs.     She  went  to  change  her  dress. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Where's  Bernard !  ? 

MARIANNE 

He  went  up-stairs  too. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  {deeply  troubled) 

I  don't  like  the  way  she's  taking  it.     She  mustn't 
be  left  alone  too  much. 

MARIANNE 

She  hasn't  slept  since  we  first  heard  of  the  danger 

—  before  the  Germans  got  here.     She  was  afraid 

—  afraid  for  Bernard  —  and  for  Baldwin. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

God  knows  what's  going  to  happen  next. 

MARIANNE 

No  sleep  . . .  She  can't  go  on  this  way. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

After  a  while  —  I'll  give  her  something  .  .  .  Where's 
Bernard? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 


MARIANNE 

Upstairs  with  Mother.  {Looking  at  him  anxiously) 
You  asked  me  that  once  before. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  —  I've  got  Bernard  on  my  mind  to-night. 

MARIANNE 

Why,  Father?  Why  are  you  worrying  about  Ber- 
nard.f*    He's  safe.     He's  getting  along  all  right. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Bernard's  got  wrong  notions  in  his  head. 

MARIANNE 

Wrong  notions?    What  do  you  mean.  Father? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

He's  a  boy  with  a  man's  courage  and  a  girl's  strength. 
And  he's  drunk  with  hate  now  —  hate  and  rage 

—  drunk  with  it,  weak  as  he  is. 

MARIANNE 

Father,  you  can't  blame  him  —  you  can't.  When 
I  think  of  Baldwin  —  and  look  at  these  strange 
soldiers  —  I  want  to  drive  them  away  —  somehow 

—  out  of  our  town  —  out  of  our  sight  —  off  of  our 
land  —  ours ! 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  {cautious  her) 

Marianne,  Marianne! 
MARIANNE  {in  a  choked  voice) 

Father,  I've  never  held  a  weapon  in  my  hand,  but 

when  I  look  at  these  men  —  I  —  could  —  kill  ...  I 

want  to  kill  them.     I,  myself  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

You've  got  to  control  yourselves  —  you  and  Ber- 
nard.   Your  one  thought  must  be  the  safety  of 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  39 

Aerschel  —  the  safety  of  our  people.  For  that  I'm 
responsible  —  I  must  answer. 

MARIANNE 

Nothing's  going  to  happen  to  you,  Father:  nothing 
shall  happen. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Law  and  order  —  that's  the  thing! 
MARIANNE  {sinJcing  her  voice) 

And  we  have  to  stand  it?  There's  no  way?  Our 
soldiers  can't  drive  them  out? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

No  .  .  .  We've  got  to  do  the  best  we  can. 

MARIANNE 

Our  poor  country ! 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Law  and  order!  That's  the  way  to  love  our  country 
now  —  now  that  we're  helpless.  We  mustn't  throw 
our  people's  lives  away.  Besides  —  you  can't  spare 
me  yet  awhile  —  not  till  Paul  comes  back — can  you? 
MARIANNE  (goes  up  to  him  and  puts  her  arm  around  his 
neck) 
As  if  I  could  ever  spare  you ! 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

And  your  mother  couldn't  spare  me  —  even  then. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Father,  you  know  the  German  general  wouldn't 
harm  you.  See  how  he  treats  you.  How  about  the 
man  that  shot  one  of  his  soldiers  in  the  back?  Noth- 
ing happened  to  you.     Weren't  you  a  hostage  then? 

DB.    ESTERLINCK 

Child,  General  von  Wahlhayn  has  a  heart.  He 
shut  his  eyes  to  that.    That  happened  once.    It 


40  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

won't   happen   again.     Another   time,   and   I   pay. 
Reprisal  —  that's  orders.     And  orders  are  orders. 

MARIANNE 

Father,  don't  talk  about  it.     I  can't  bear  to  think 
about  it. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Did  your  mother  eat  any  supper? 

MARIANNE 

No,  she  hasn't  taken  a  mouthful  since  breakfast. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Your  brother's  death  has  stunned  her. 

MARIANNE 

You're  going  to  look  for  Baldwin.     You're  going  to 
try  to  find  him? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

If  it's  possible  —  to-morrow  —  at  daybreak. 

MARIANNE 

If  Mother  could  only  see  him  —  perhaps  then  .  . . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

That  would  be  the  hardest  thing  of  all  for  her  to  bear. 

MARIANNE 

No,  for  then  she'd  realize  that  he  is  dead. 
[^Marianne's  voice    chokes.     She    breaks    down,  Dr, 
Esterlinck  sits  with  bowed  head. 
MARIANNE  {swallowing  a  sob) 

She's    kept    calling    him    softly  —  to    herself  —  all 
day  long  —  just  as  though  she  didn't  know. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

She  must  have  some  sleep  to-night.    I'll  give  her 
something. 

MARIANNE 

Who's  that  laughing  so  loud? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  41 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

That  man  —  Falkenhorst  —  the  General's  Chief  of 
Staff. 
MARIANNE  (skudders  as  the  laughter  grows  louder) 
Oh !  how  can  they ! 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

He  must  be  drinking. 

MARIANNE 

Hasn't  the  general  eyes.?     Can't  he  see? 
£There  is  a  fresh  outburst  of  laughter. 

MARIANNE 

Why  doesn't  the  general  stop  them? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

He  isn't  noticing.     He's  thinking  about  something 
else. 

MARIANNE 

Perhaps  he's  drinking,  too. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

No,  he's  not  that  kind. 

MARIANNE 

He  ought  to  watch  his  men.     Perhaps  they'll  all 
get  drunk. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

No.    The  Chief  of  Staff  had  been  drinking  before 
dinner. 

MARIANNE 

He'll  frighten  Ritta  —  the  way  he's  acting. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Oh,  the  man's  not  drunk.     But  keep  Bernard  out 
of  his  way  while  I'm  gone. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Father  —  you're  not  going  to  leave  us. 


42  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.    ESTERUNCK 

The    general   wants    to    look   at  —  a  —  position  — 

MARIANNE 

This  German  general! 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes. 

MARIANNE 

And  you  have  to  go! 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

There's  nothing  to  fear.     We'll  not  be  long.     I'm 
worn  out.     I've  got  to  sleep  to-night. 

MARIANNE 

And  to-morrow  you'll  look  for  —  Baldwin. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

To-morrow  —  at    dawn.     The    general    must    give 
me  a  passport. 

MARIANNE 

But  —  if   you're    a  —  hostage,   Father. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

It's   got   to   be   done.     I'll   speak   to   General   von 
Wahlhayn  —  to-night. 

MARIANNE 

Here's  Mother  coming  —  and  Bernard. 
[_The  burgomaster  steps  forward  to  meet  his  wife  and 
takes  her  in  his  arms.     She  seems  strangely  impas- 
sive.   He  looks  at  her  closely. 

BERNARD  {anxiously) 

Father  —  if  Mother  could  manage  to  get  a  Httle 
rest  .  .  . 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  {sinking  his  voice) 
I'll  see  to  that  —  now  —  before  I  leave  .  .  . 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  43 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Are  you  going  for  Baldwin?    He  ought  not  to  lie 
out  there  in  the  woods  alone. 
BERNARD  (to  Ms  father) 

I  can't  stand  this.     I  can't  —  I  tell  you.     I'll  get 
away  —  somehow    .    .    . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

You're  anxious  to  be  shot,  my  boy.     Wait  a  little. 
Give  your  mother  a  little  time  to  get  over  your 
brother's  death,  first. 
BERNARD  {despairingly) 
Look  at  her! 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  {tO  Ms  wHe) 

You've  put  on  your  black  silk  gown. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Baldwin  always  liked  to  see  me  in  this. 
\_The  door  of  the  dining  room  is  opened  by  Richter. 
Falkenhorst  and  Barnstorff  are  seen  to  rise  and  stand 
at    attention.     They    salute    General    von    Wahlhayn 
as  he  passes  into  the  living  room. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

I  regret  that  you  and  your  family  could  not  give  us 
the  honor  of  your  company. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Under  the  circumstances  your  Excellency  will  ex- 
cuse us  .  .  .  my  son's  death  .  .  .  Naturally,  my  wife  . .  . 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

I  understand  .  .  .  Make  no  apology. 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  (addresses  Mrs.  Esterlinck) 
I  make  you  my  compliments  on  your  hospitality. 
{He  turns  to  the  burgomaster)    But  you  will  do  me 


44 PAWNS  OF  WAR 

the  favor  to  lock  up  your  wine.     {He  calls  his  men) 

Richter !    Barnstorff ! 

[The  men  enter,  salute  and  stand  at  attention, 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

The  proclamations ! 

[They  salute  again  and  pass  into  the  hall. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Now,  Dr.  Esterlinck  —  be  so  good  ...  in  a  few 
minutes  .  .  .  We  will  wait  .  .  . 

[He  goes  out.  A  copy  of  the  proclamation  has 
fallen  to  the  floor.  Bernard  (has  picked  it  up  and 
is  reading  it  to  himself  as  he  comes  into  the  living 
room.  Suddenly,  with  repressed  passion  he  reads 
aloud:  All  inhabitants  are  hereby  warned  that  if 
any  civilian  member  of  any  household  makes  fur- 
ther assault  upon  the  troops  of  occupation  quartered 
upon  such  household,  all  members  of  that  household 
shall  be  put  to  death  .  .  . 
MARIANNE  {fearfully) 

All  will  be  put  to  death  .  .  .  The  innocent  with  the 
guilty  .  .  .  How  can  he  do  such  things! 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

He  is  a  general,  and  this  is  war. 

MARIANNE 

That  Chief  of  Staff  —  isn't  he  going,  too? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

The  man  isn't  fit  to  go.    The  general  must  see  that. 

MARIANNE 

So  he's  to  stay  here  —  alone  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

There    are    orderlies    all   around.    Oh,    the    man's 
not  really  drunk.    Let  him  alone. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  45 


BERNARD 

Don't  be  afraid,  Marianne.     I  can  look  out  for  him. 
[The  burgomaster  and  his  daughter  exchange  glances. 
DR.  ESTERLiNCK  (tums  to  his  wife) 

My  poor  Angela!  Go  up  and  rest.  Try  to  get 
a  little  sleep. 

{Mrs.  Esterlinck  does  not  seem  to  have  heard  the  bur- 
gomaster, 

MARIANNE 

Mother! 

[Mrs.  Esterlinck  pays  no  attention. 
MARIANNE  (sharply) 

Mother! 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (a  little  qucrulously) 

What  is  it.? 

MARIANNE 

Father's  speaking  to  you. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Don't  you  think  you  ought  to  go  up  and  lie  down? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

No,  no,  Albert. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

And  you  don't  eat  .  .  . 

MARIANNE 

Let  me  get  you  a  cup  of  tea,  Mother. 
[Forgetting^  she  starts  to  enter  the  dining  room. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Don't  go  in  there.  You  go — Bernard  —  through  the 
hall.  (He  hands  Bernard  a  tablet)  Tell  Ritta  not  to 
go  into  the  dining  room  now  —  till  he  leaves.  (Sinks 
his  voice.  To  Marianne)  See  that  she  gets  it  all. 
(To  his  wife)    Drink  your  tea  and  lie  down,  Angela. 


46  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE  {stopping  him  in  the  doorway) 
Father  .  .  .  Must  you  go  ...  ? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

There's  no  help  for  it  .  .  .  Whatever  the  general  com- 
mands —  I  must  do. 
[^The  burgomaster  goes  out. 
MARIANNE  {goes  over  to  her  mother  and  takes  her  hand) 
Mother! 

£Mrs.  Esterlinck  sits  passively  and  lets  her  hand  rest 
in  Marianne's.  After  a  minute  the  door  to  the 
dining  room  is  opened  wide^  and  Falkenhorsty  the 
Chief  of  Staff,  appears  in  the  doorway.  He  is  hold- 
ing a  glass  of  wine  in  his  hand.  He  lifts  the  glass 
and  looks  at  it. 

FALKENHORST 

Meine  Damen  und  Herren  —  prosit! 
^Falkenhorst  laughs,  lifts  the  glass  to  his  lips,  and 
drains  it:  then  he  lets  it  fall.  Mrs.  Esterlinck  gazes 
at  him  with  a  strange,  calm  gaze.  Marianne  utters  a 
little  cry;  Falkenhorst  goes  up  to  her.  She  stands 
quite  still.  Suddenly  he  lifts  her  hand  to  his  lips. 
She  withdraws  her  hand  slowly,  a  storm  of  hatred 
gathering  in  her  eyes. 

FALKENHORST 

Such  black  looks  do  not  go  well  with  so  pretty  a 

face,  Frdulein. 

£She  tries  to  pass  by  him.    He  blocks  her  way. 

MARIANNE 

Oh !  ...  If  you  please  .  .  . 

FALKENHORST 

Why  are  you  not  calm?    I  mean  you  no  harm. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  47 

MARIANNE 

I  am  not  afraid  ... 
[Falkenhorst  laughs. 

MRS.  ESTERLiNCK  (as  tkough  awakening  suddenly  to  a 
sense  of  the  situation) 
Marianne ! 

[^Falkenhorst  looks  from  Mrs.  Esterlinck  to  the  wine 
glass  on  the  floor,  stares  at  it  a  little  while,  and  then 
goes  hack  into  the  dining  room.  Marianne,  using 
the  door  as  a  screen,  slowly  pushes  it  to.  Bernard 
returns  by  way  of  the  hall.    He  carries  a  cup  of  tea, 

MARIANNE  {to  Bernard,  who  starts  to  speak) 
S-s-h !    He's  been  in  here  —  that  man  .  .  . 

BERNARD  {cUnches  his  fists) 
If  I  could  — 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Be  still,  Bernard.  We  must  give  up  to  them. 
Baldwin  was  the  first.  You'll  be  the  next.  Then 
Father.  What  will  happen  to  Marianne.'^  I  am 
an  old  woman.    It  doesn't  matter  about  me. 

MARIANNE 

Old?    You're  not  old. 

BERNARD 

What  are  you  talking  about,  Mother?  You're  a 
young  woman.     Old  at  forty-three! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

What  happens  to  me  doesn't  matter.  But  you  and 
Marianne  .  .  . 

BERNARD 

If  we  were  men! 


48  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MAKIANNE 

What  can  we  do  —  so  few  of  us  —  and  a  great  army 
of  them  ... 

BERNARD 

Here,  Mother  —  you  must  drink  your  tea. 
[^Mrs.  Esterlinck  pays  no  attention. 

MARIANNE 

Mother  .  .  .  what  are  you  thinking  about? 
BERNARD  (holding  the  cup  to  his  mother's  lips) 
Here,  Mother. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

I  want  my  boy  back,  Baldwin,  my  little  boy. 

BERNARD 

I'd  be  glad  to  change  places  with  him  for  your  sake, 
Mother. 

MARIANNE 

Baldwin's  been  spared  all  this.    You  can  be  glad 
of  that.  Mother. 

BERNARD 

Take   the   rest  of  the   tea,   now.    There's   only   a 
mouthful  left. 

[Mrs.  Esterlinck  drinks  it.  Bernard  puts  the  cup  and 
saucer  on  the  table  beside  which  Marianne  has  just 
sat  down. 
MARIANNE  {who  has  buried  her  face  in  her  hands,  gives 
a  start  of  nervous  terror  at  the  clatter  of  the  cup  in 
the  saucer) 
Ugh! 

BERNARD 

Why  —  what  — 

MARIANNE 

Bernard  .  .  .  the  way  that  man  looked  at  me! 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 


BERNARD 

Marianne,  you  must  go  up-stairs  —  you  and  Mother. 

MARIANNE 

And  leave  you  here  with  a  drunken  man  —  all  alone? 
No,  Bernard,  I'll  take  Mother  up,  but  I'm  coming 
down  again  to  stay  with  you. 

BERNARD 

You  mustn't  come  down  again,  you  mustn't. 
£From  the  direction  of  the  dining  room  comes  the  pro- 
longed sound  of  the  clicking  of  a  knife  against  a  glass. 
Bernard  and  Marianne  listen  anxiously, 
MARIANNE  (in  a  half-whisper) 

He  wants  something  more  to  drink. 

BERNARD 

He'll  not  get  it. 
RITTA  (hurries  in) 
He's  calling  me  —  that  man.  He  wants  more  wine. 
He's  emptied  the  bottle.  {Ritta  has  been  speaking 
to  Mrs.  Esterlincky  who  pays  no  attention  to  her:  now 
she  turns  to  Marianne)  Miss  Marianne,  —  I  can't 
go  in  there  —  to  him. 

MARIANNE 

No,  Ritta,  you  needn't  go.     Pay  no  attention  to  him. 

RITTA 

He'll  be  coming  into  the  kitchen  next. 

MARIANNE 

Bolt  the  door,  Ritta. 

RITTA 

Eating  us  out  of  house  and  home  .  .  .  There'll  be 

nothing  left  for  Father  Antoine. 

[^The  clicking  begins  again. 

Hear  that!  ., 


50  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

BERNARD 

Let  him  keep  it  up  till  he  gets  tired. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  I  do  hope  Father'U  be  back  soon. 

BERNARD 

Bolt  the  kitchen  door,  Ritta. 

MARIANNE 

Can't  you  stay  out  of  the  kitchen,  Ritta? 

RITTA 

The  dishes  are  piled  that  high,  Miss. 
[^She  indicates. 

MARIANNE 

Never  mind,  Ritta  .  .  .  You  go  up-[stairs  with  Mother 
.  .  .  Stay  with  her  a  while.     Now,  Mother,  Ritta'll 
take  care  of  you. 
[^Bernard  helps  his  mother  up. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

I  don't  need  Ritta.     I'd  rather  be  alone. 
l^Sound  of  rapping  on  the  table. 
falkenhorst's  voice 

Hey,  there!    You  there!  ... 

MARIANNE 

He's  getting  ugly. 

BERNARD 

You  go  up,  too,  Marianne. 
MARIANNE  {firmly) 

No. 

See  that  Mother  lies  down,  Ritta. 
'■     l^Mrs.  Esterlinck  and  Ritta  go  out. 

BERNARD 

How  long's  that  man  going  £o  stay  in  the  dining 
room! 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  51 

MARIANNE 

If  he'd  only  go  up  to  his  room  .  .  .  He*d  soon  fall 

asleep  with  all  the  wine  he's  taken. 

{[They  sit  down  together  in  the  shadow.     Falkenhorst 

can  be  heard  talking  to  himself  in  the  dining  room. 

Marianne  and  Bernard  remain  silent,  listening. 
FALKENHORST  (rapping  on  the  table  and  raising  his  voice) 

Hey,  there!  .  .  .  You  there!  .  .  .  Another  bottle! 

(A  minute  passes)     Hey,  there!  .  .  .  You,  there!  .  .  . 
RiTTA  (who  has  come  down-stairs  again,  steals  to  the 

door.     Cautiously) 

Miss  Marianne!  .  .  .  Are  you  there? 
MARIANNE  (coming  forward  to  Ritta.     Softly) 

Yes,  what's  the  matter,  Ritta? 

RITTA 

She  won't  undress,  and  she  won't  lie  down,  and 
she  wants  me  to  go  on  with  the  work.  She  doesn't 
mind  that  man. 

BERNARD 

You  go  on  up,  Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Let  her  alone.    She'll  fall  asleep  after  a  while. 

RITTA  (stoutly) 

Then  I'll  go  back  to  my  work. 

MARIANNE 

If  you're  not  afraid  .  .  . 

RITTA 

Afraid!  .  .  .  He'll  not  break  the  door  down,  I  guess. 
\_Ritta  passes  quietly  down  the  hall.  Falkenhorst  is 
heard  walking  about  in  the  dining  room.  His  steps  come 
nearer.  Marianne  and  Bernard  fall  back  into  the  shadow 
as  the  Chief  of  Staff  opens  the  door  and  walks  in. 


52  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

FALKENEORST  {laughs  to  himself.    Aloud) 

Meine  Damen  und  Herren  —  prositl 
MARIANNE  (to  Bemardy  in  a  half-whisper) 

He*s  at  that  again  .  .  . 

[Falkenhorst  stands  between  door  to  dining  room  and 

door  to  hall. 
BERNARD  {to  Marianne) 

For  the  love  of  God  .  .  .  get  out  of  the  room. 
MARIANNE  {saTTw  loWy  tcnse  voice) 

No.     I  feel  safer  here  with  you. 

BERNARD 

Look  at  the  man  .  .  . 

MARIANNE 

He's  drunk  all  right. 

BERNARD 

Yes,  he  mustn't  see  you  . .  . 

MARIANNE 

I'm  not  afraid. 

BERNARD 

You  mustn't  be. 

MARIANNE 

What  could  happen? 
BERNARD  {in  a  half-whisper) 

The  way  he  looked  at  you  —  Marianne  —  before  .  .  . 
How  was  it? 

MARIANNE 

He  kissed  my  hand. 

BERNARD 

You  must  slip  out  quietly  before  he  sees  you. 

MARIANNE 

If  you  could  get  him  away  from  the  door  .  .  * 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 5S 

BERNARD 

I'll  speak  to  him  .  .  .  then  you  slip  out. 
MARIANNE  {holds  Mm  back) 
No,  no,  Bernard  .  .  .  wait. 

BERNARD 

Marianne  ...  he  mustn't  see  you  .  .  . 

MARIANNE 

Why  don't  they  come  back?    Why  don't  they  come? 

BERNARD 

S-s-h!    Now  —  while    his    back    is    turned  —  go! 
{^Marianne  crosses  the  room  softly:  just  as  she  reaches 
the  hall  door^  Falkenhorst  wheels  into  her  path. 

FALKENHORST 

Ah,  so  .  .  .  you  are  here  —  gnddiges  Fraulein?  (She 
tries  to  push  past  him:  then  reconsiders  and  stands 
perfectly  stilly  looking  at  him  with  what  sternness  she 
can  command.  He  takes  her  hand  and  raises  it  to  his 
lips  with  an  elaborate  show  of  gallantry.  She  draws 
herself  up  to  her  full  height,  and,  looking  him  steadily 
in  the  eyes,  shakes  off  his  hold.  Bernard,  who  has  come 
up  to  Falkenhorst,  makes  a  menacing  movement  which 
the  Chief  of  Staff  either  does  not  see  or  chooses  to  disre- 
gard) So!  .  .  .  You  do  not  like  me,  Fraulein? 
[He  takes  her  hand  again.    She  tries  to  break  away. 

MARIANNE 

Don't! 
BERNARD  {pale  and  sullen) 
Stop! 

{Falkenhorst  lets  go  of  her  hand  and  makes  her  a  low 
bow. 

FALKENHORST 

Do  not  be  afraid.         v 

V 


54  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

I  am  not  afraid. 

FALKENHORST 

That  is  good  —  very  good  —  that  I  Uke.  Not 
afraid  —  eh?  Why  are  you  in  such  a  hurry  to  get 
away  from  me? 

MARIANNE 

Let  me  pass  —  if  you  please. 
BERNARD  {makes  a  move  as  though  to  free  Marianne's 

wrist  from  Falkenhorsfs  grasp) 

Don't  you  understand?    Let  my  sister  pass.    What 

right  — 
MARIANNE  (in  a  sharp  whisper) 

Bernard ! 
FALKENHORST  [without  loolcing  at  Bernard) 

She  can  speak  for  herself,  junger  Herr, 

\_Marianne  restrains  Bernard. 

FALKENHORST 

Not  afraid!  .  .  .  Good!  .  .  .  You  may  pass,  gnddiges 
Frdulein. 

{He  salutes  and  stands  at  attention.     She  turns  to  go. 
At  the  same  moment  Falkenhorst  observes  Bernard's 
menacing  attitude. 
FALKENHORST    {unth  a  short,  ironic  laugh) 

Good  night!  .  .  .  First  you  will  bid  me  good  night. 

MARIANNE 

Good  night. 

FALKENHORST 

Your  hand,  gnddiges  Frdulein. 
{He  takes  her  hand. 
BERNARD  {springs  at  him) 
Let  go  —  I  tell  you. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  55 

MARIANNE 

Bernard ! 

FALKENHORST  (ignoring  Bernard) 

Frdulein  —  gnddiges  Frdulein  —  our  maidens  are 
good  to  look  at,  but  they  have  not  such  a  little 
devil  shining  in  their  eyes.  Not  afraid  —  No? 
.  .  .  Not  afraid  of  me? 

MARIANNE  (waving  Bernard  back) 
No,  I'm  not  afraid. 

FALKENHORST 

Such  a  pretty  hand!  .  .  .  Not  afraid?  .  .  .  And  you 
have  a  pretty  mouth,  Frdulein.  Suppose  —  now 
—  I  —  take  —  a  little  kiss  .  .  . 

^Marianne  starts  back.  The  Chief  of  Staff  puts  his 
arm  around  her  and  strains  her  to  him,  kissing  her 
fiercely  as  he  drags  her  toward  the  door.  Marianne 
breaks  away.  He  follows  her.  Bernard  walks 
stealthily  after  him  with  drawn  revolver.  There  is  a 
confused  sound  of  footsteps. 

Marianne's  voice  (muffled  from  the  hall) 
Oh!  — don't!  .  .  . 

\_There  is  the  report  of  a  revolver  and  the  dull  thud  of 
a  falling  body.  Then  a  moment's  silence.  With 
hands  raised,  palms  outward,  covering  her  eyes, 
Marianne  walks  backwards  into  the  room, 

RiTTA  (comes  in) 

What  was  that.  Miss  Marianne? 

MARIANNE  (slowly  lowering  her  hands) 
S-s-h! 

RITTA 

My  heart  stood  still.  I  thought  some  one  was 
shot. 


56  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

S-s-h!    Ritta   .   .   .  Yes  —  he's  dead  —  that  man! 

RITTA 

Dead! 

MARIANNE 

Ritta!  ...  if  they've  heard  ...  if  they  come  in  .  .  . 
nothing's  happened  .  .  .  here  ...  It  was  outside 
...  somewhere  —  that  shot. 

{^Marianne  and  Ritta  stand  together^  straining  their 
ears  for  the  sound  of  approaching  footsteps.  Mari- 
anne* s  attitude  is  one  of  agonized  suspense. 

RITTA 

They're  not  coming  .  .  .  They  didn't  notice  ...  So 
much  shooting  all  the  time  .  .  .  They  couldn't  tell 
where  — 
MARIANNE  {to  Bernard^  who  comes  in  slowly,  peering 
into  the  shadows,  in  a  tense  whisper) 
Where  have  you  .  .  .  ? 

BERNARD 

I  dragged  him  away  from  the  banisters  .  .  .  He  was 
too  heavy  —  to  lift. 

MARIANNE 

The  revolver,  Bernard.'* 

BERNARD 

In  Baldwin's  room. 

MARIANNE 

You  must  get  away  now  —  before  they  come  .  .  . 
You,  too,  Ritta.  When  they  find  out  .  .  .  (suddenly 
remembering)  Bernard!  Bernard! — the  proclamation! I 
—  Save  yourself!  Ritta  —  get  away  —  go  the  back 
way  —  to  the  Neefs.    Tell  them  — 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  57 

BERNARD 

Listen  .  .  .  ! 
BERNARD  (koarsely) 
They're  coming! 

MARIANNE 

Why  don't  you  go  —  go  —  go! 

BERNARD 

Go?  .  .  .  Where?  ...  I'd  be  stopped.     I've  no  pass- 
port. 
[^Marianne  pushes  Ritta  toward  the  door. 

MARIANNE 

Follow  Ritta  .  .  .  The  back  door  .  .  .  Quick!  ...  To 
the  Neefs! 

BERNARD 

No. 
MRS.    esterlinck's   VOICE    (from   a   distance,   calling 
faintly) 
Marianne ! 

MARIANNE 

Mother — calling !    (Sound  of  heavy  footsteps  approach- 
ing)    Put  out  the  candles  over  there  —  you're  so 
white  .  .  . 
MRS.  esterlinck's  VOICE  (from  a  distance,  calling  again) 
Bernard!    Bernard! 

MARIANNE 

Hide  yourself  —  Bernard  —  for  the  love  of  God  .  .  . 

\_Footsteps  come  nearer.     The  outer  door  is  heard  to 

open. 
RITTA  (pulling  Bernard  by  the  arm) 

Come !     Come ! 
MRS.  esterlinck's  VOICE  (stronger  than  before) 

Marianne!    Bernard! 


58  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MAEIANNE 

Go,  Bernard! 
MRS.  ESTERLiNCK*s  VOICE  (comes  nearer) 
Bernard !     Bernard ! 
\_Bernard  starts  to  go  to  his  mother, 

MARIANNE 

No,  no,  save  yourself!    Go! 

BERNARD 

She'll  come  out  .  .  .  She'll  see  .  .  . 
[^As  Dr.  Esterlinck  and  General  von  Wahlhayn  emerge 
from  the  darkness  into  the  semi-darkness^  Ritta  runs 
down    the    hall,    and    Marianne    hurries    upstairs. 
Bernard  retreats  to  the  farthest  comer  of  the  room. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

No  light!     (He  strikes  a  match  and  lights  the  candle 
nearest    him.     To    General    von    Wahlhayn,    anxiety 
and  surprise  in  his  tone) 
There  is  blood  on  your  hand.     You  are  hurt. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

I  felt  a  stinging  pain  in  my  wrist  here  —  and  then 

—  nothing  more. 

\J)r.  Esterlinck  makes  a  tourniquet  to  stop  the  bleeding. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK 

This  is  a  bad  business.  (Calls)  Bernard!  (No 
answer.  He  calls  again  sharply)  Bernard !  (Bernard 
comes  slowly  across  the  room.  He  is  pale  and  strangely 
shaken)  Here  —  hold  that —  this' way  —  so.  (He 
tightens  the  tourniquet.  To  the  general)  Hold  up 
your  arm  .  .  .  higher. 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  (lifting  his  arm) 
Like  this? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  59 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

The  forearm  will  do. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

So  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLINCK 

Rest  your  elbow  on  your  knee  .  .  .  Prop  it  up  with 
your  right  hand. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

It  bleeds  all  right  —  doesn't  it.? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

One  minute  now  —  that  will  stop.  {To  Bernard) 
Put  your  finger  so.  Now  press.  Press  hard. 
That's  the  way.  The  large  vein  is  cut.  Some 
stitches  must  be  taken.  {Lifts  a  candle  and  looks 
about.  Goes  into  the  dining  room  a  moment)  All 
this  confusion  and  no  Ught  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Can't  you  find  what  you  need? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

In  the  dark  .  .  .  Everything  topsy-turvy  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Let  it  go  till  morning. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  {points  to  toumiquet) 
Can  you  stand  that  all  night? 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

I've  stood  worse  things. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Just  the  same,  in  about  ten  minutes  you  could  have 
bled  to  death  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Bad  as  that? 


60  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes  .  .  .  When  were  you  hit? 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

You  heard  the  shot  —  when  those  two  men  ran  by 
—  just  as  we  stood  up. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

I  must  have  more  light.    Bernard,  can't  you  get 
a  little  more  light  here.^ 
BERNARD  {in  a  voice  divested  of  all  expression) 
Orders  were  —  no  lights. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK 

I  had  forgotten.  Lights  are  all  off.  Bring  more 
candles.  And  call  your  mother  —  no,  not  your 
mother  —  call  Marianne. 

[Bernard  takes  his  fingers  of  the  tourniquet  suddenly. 
The  burgomaster  springs  forward. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Bernard!  .  .  .  Look  out! 
[He  tightens  the  tourniquet. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

It  isn't  a  pleasant  business  for  him  —  this  helping 
me. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

My  son  has  had  a  long  sickness.    He  isn't  strong 

yet.     Otherwise  — 

[The  burgomaster  checks  himself. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

Yes,  otherwise? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

He's  crazy  to  be  a  soldier. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

You'd  like  to  keep  one  son. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  61 

DE.   ESTERLINCK 

We  are  a  little  country,  and  if  our  sons  are  needed 

—  however  hard  — 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

I  had  three  sons  when  I  was  given  my  command. 
Two   fell   before   Liege.     The    other,    in   the   East 

—  at    Allenstein.    Now  —  I  —  have  —  none. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  yes,  keep  your  arm  up  .  .  . 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

I  don't  know  where  they're  buried.     I  don't  know 
what  happened  —  at  the  last  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (setting  his  teeth.     In  a  low  voice) 
A  man  mustn't  let  himself  think  about  such  things. 
It  takes  all  the  strength  away. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

I  only  know  one  thing  —  they  were  all  proud  to  die  — 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (interrupting.     Quietly) 

Turn  a  little  to  the  left  —  please  .  .  .  My  boy  was 
only  fourteen. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

If  I  could  give  my  three  boys  all  over  again  —  I 
would  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (grimly) 
I  have  still  this  one  boy. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Yes,  I  would  give  all  my  boys  —  once  more  —  for 
the  cause. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Your  Excellency  —  every  man's  country  is  his  cause. 
\^The  general  leans  back  suddenly. 


62  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Are  you  faint? 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

It  isn't  much  ...  a  little  dizzy. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

You've  lost  so  much  blood.  When  the  candles 
come — (Calls)  Bernard!  Bernard! 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

How  comes  it  that  you  are  a  surgeon? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

For  four  generations  one  son  has  been  a  surgeon. 
My  father  was  burgomaster  before  me.  He  was 
a  surgeon  too.  He  sent  me  to  the  Sorbonne.  This 
was  my  father's  house  —  the  very  furnishings  here  — 
And  Baldwin,  my  boy  —  that's  —  {His  voice  breaks 
off)  he  was  to  go  to  the  Sorbonne  .  .  .  Perhaps  now 
—  Bernard  —  if  he  is  spared  .  .  . 
[^A  low  shriek  is  heard  and  Marianne  runs  in,  pale 
and  breathless, 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

What's  the  matter?    What's  happened? 

MARIANNE 

Nothing  . . .  I — stumbled — that's  all  —  and  dropped 
the  candles  .  .  .  Bernard —  {Bernard  says  nothing 
but  stands  holding  the  candles  like  one  dazed).  Here 
are  all  the  candles  we  have  in  the  house. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Light  them  all. 

\_Marianne  brings  a  candelabra  from  the  adjoining 
roomy  then  a  platter.  She  arranges  the  candles  and 
lights  them. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  63 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

That's  not  so  bad.  Now  bring  a  basin  of  water  .  .  . 
and  a  decent  bandage,  Marianne. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

It's  quiet  as  death  here  now  ... 
[^Bernard  starts  violently. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Thank  God!  .  .  .  then  somebody  can  sleep  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

My  Chief  of  Staff  can  sleep,  I  tell  you  .  .  .  He  sleeps 

like  a  dead  man. 

\_Bernard  is  seen  to  he  on  the  verge  of  collapse. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

You'll  have  to  get  some  rest  now  with  that. 
[Points  to  general's  wrist. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

Yes.     I'll  see  my  Chief  first:   then  I'll  turn  in  —  at 
last.     Well,  let  him  sleep  yet  —  a  little  while  .  .  . 
{^Marianne  suppresses  a  low  cry. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

What  is  it,  Marianne.^ 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

The  sight  of  blood,  perhaps  ... 

MARIANNE 

No.  I've  grown  used  to  the  sight  of  blood  since 
morning.  Father  .  .  .  how  can  Mother  sleep  .  .  .  how 
can  she  sleep  —  now? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Is  she  asleep !  ? 

MARIANNE 

Yes. 


64  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

I  gave  her  something  to  make  her  sleep.     She  couldn't 

go  on  that  way.     She'll  be  better  when  she  wakes 

up  in  the  morning. 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  (listening) 

What's  that  noise.^^ 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (listening  closely) 

Up  toward  the  Square.     It's  nothing.     Now  —  it's 

stopping  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

In  the  trenches  they  drop  down  and  sleep  —  sleep 
—  shells  flying  right  over  their  heads  —  sleep  like 
dead  men. 
[^Bernard  and  Marianne  are  tense  and  moveless. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Now  —  that  will  hold  nicely  till  morning.     Then  I'll 
sew  you  up.     Be  careful  not  to  let  that  bandage  slip. 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  (to  Marianne) 
You  ought  to  be  a  nurse. 

MARIANNE 

I  want  to  be  a  nurse. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

She's  got  one  soldier  to  look  after. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  be  cared  for  — 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  yes,  you,  too,  General  .  .  .  But  she's  got  one 
soldier  to  take  care  of  for  the  rest  of  her  life. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

The  young  lady  is  betrothed  to  a  soldier? 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

That's  it,  your  Excellency. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  65 

MARIANNE  (proudly) 

He's  captain  of  his  company. 
DR.  ESTERLiNCK  (under  his  breath) 

They  pick  off  the  officers  first. 

MARIANNE 

What  do  you  say,  Father.? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Marianne  —  you  go  and  call  Ritta. 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Father,  poor  Ritta's  tired  —  on  the  go  all 
day  long.  Half  the  town's  been  here  for  something 
to  eat.  Poor  things!  It's  little  enough  we  could 
give  them  .  .  .  But  it  keeps  them  from  starving. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Then,  Marianne,  you  must  go  into  the  kitchen  and 
get  a  cup  of  coffee  for  the  general. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

Not  at  all  —  so  much  trouble  —  and  so  late. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK 

A  cup  of  coffee  will  do  you  good.  You  are  weaker 
than  you  think.     Marianne! 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  Father,  with  pleasure. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

I  thank  you  very  much,  my  young  lady. 

MARIANNE 

In  a  few  minutes  now  if  the  fire  is  good. 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

Should  we  not — perhaps — help  you — with  that  fire? 

MARIANNE 

No,  your  Excellency  .  .  .  unless  —  Bernard  will 
come — (mth    significant    appeal)    Bernard!   .  ,   • 


66  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

[JBernard,  who  has  withdrawn  into  the  shadow,  does 
not  respond.     There  is  silence  in  the  room  for  half  a 
minute  —  then  Marianne  returns. 
MARIANNE  {standing  in  the  dining  room  door) 

The  coffee  is  still  hot.     Your  orderly  —  in  the  yard 
—  has  just  made  himself  fresh  coffee. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

Even  that  they  can  do  at  need  —  my  good  fellows. 
DR.  ESTERLiNCK  {wams  Marianne  with  a  look) 
I  grudge  no  man  food  and  drink. 

MARIANNE 

While  it  lasts,  Father,  while  it  lasts. 

[^She  puts  out   most  of  the  candles   burning  on  the 

platter,  and  lifts  the  platter  to  carry  it  into  the  dining 

room. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

That  is  good  German  thrift. 

MARIANNE 

They  may  be  needed  to  save  some  other  person's 
life. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

It  seems  you  have  really  saved  my  life,  then  .  .  . 
[He  attempts  to  rise. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Go  slow,  your  Excellency. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

And  I  shan't  forget  that  in  a  hurry. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

It's  my  business  to  save  life. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

I  have  only  to  look  at  my  wrist. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  67 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

The  mark'U  stay  by  you  a  good  while,  I*m  afraid. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

At  my  age,  I  suppose  so. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Pour  the  coffee,  Marianne.     {To  the  general)     Come, 

let  me  help  you  into  the  dining  room  ...  Or  would 

you  prefer  to  drink  your  coffee  here.?^ 
BERNARD  (m  uncoTisciouSy  terrified  protest) 

Father! 

\_At  his  tone  the  burgomaster  crosses  toward  him, 
BERNARD  {wildly^  in  a  whisper) 

No,  no,  no! 

MARIANNE 

The  coffee  is  poured. 

[Dr.  Esterlinck  assists  General  von  Wahlhayn  to  rise. 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  {standing  alone.     To  Mari- 
anne) 

I  make  you  my  compliments. 
{_General  von  Wahlhayn  walks  alone. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

How  do  you  feel  now.f* 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

You  have  made  me  very  comfortable,  you  and  the 
gnddiges  Frdulein.  I  make  you  both  my  com- 
pliments. 

[^The  general  follows  Marianne  into  the  dining  room: 
the  burgomaster  is  about  to  follow  when  Bernard  stops 
him  with  a  low  half-articulate  cry. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  {to  the  general) 

If  you  will  excuse  me,  your  Excellency  .  .  .  one 
minute  .  .  .  {Dr.  Esterlinck  closes  the  door  gently  and 


«8  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

iums  to  look  after  Bernard,  who  has  retreated  into  the 

shadow  again)    Now  —  Bernard?  .  .  . 

[^Both  men  move  slowly  into  the  candlelights 
BERNARD  (gasps,  shuddering) 

Father! 
DR.  ESTERLiNCK  (looks  to  make  sure  that  the  door  is 

closed) 

What  is  the  matter  with  you? 

BERNARD 

Father  .  .  .  I  — 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

You  are  white  as  a  sheet. 
BERNARD  (in  a  terrified  whisper) 
Up-stairs  — 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Up-stairs  ...  Go  on.    Why  are  you  trembling  so? 

BERNARD 

S-s-s-h !  .  .  .  Up-stairs  — 

[He  stops  and  listens  fearfully  to  the  sounds  in  the 

adjoining  room. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Go  on.    What  have  you  seen? 

BERNARD 

Up-stairs  —  near  the  landing  — 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

What  has  happened  here? 

BERNARD 

While  you  were  —  gone  — 

{^Conversation  between  the  general  and  Marianne  sud' 
denly  ceases.    Bernard  seems  to  lose  his  power  of  speech. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (stemly) 
Speak!    Speak! 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  69 

BERNARD 

There  ...  at  the  head  of  the  stairs  ...  He  was  heavy 
to  drag  ...  in  the  dark. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

What  are  you  saying? 

BERNARD 

If  —  he  —  turns  around  —  up  there  —  with  a  light, 

—  he  will  see  him. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

What  have  you  done? 

BERNARD 

There  —  on  the  landing  —  his  Chief  of  Staff  — 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (starts  in  the  direction  of  the  hall) 
The  Chief  of  Staff!  .  .  .  You  —  have  — 
[Bernard  silences  his  father  with  an  imploring  gesture, 

BERNARD 

Father  —  it  —  had  —  to  —  be. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  Qioarsely) 

The  —  general  —  must  —  be  —  told. 

BERNARD 

It  —  had  —  to  —  be. 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

It's  all  over  with  us. 

BERNARD 

No,  no,  not  you!  —  not  Mother!  .  .  .  not  — 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

All  —  all  of  us  . . . 

BERNARD 

All  of  us  —  Mother  —  Marianne  . . . 

DR.  ESTERLINCK 

All  of  us. 


70  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

BERNARD 

He  can't  do  it  ...  he  can't. 

DR.    ESTERLlNCK 

Were  you  out  of  your  senses  .  .  .  or  .  .  .  what? 

BERNARD 

Father,  .  .  .  listen  ...  I  had  to  shoot  him  ,  .  .  He  was 

following  my  sister. 

DR.    ESTERLlNCK 

Here  —  in  my  own  house  —  the  — 

BERNARD 

Must  we  all  die.^    Father,  must  we  all  die  —  Mother 
.  .  .  Marianne? 

DR.   ESTERLlNCK 

Why  not?    Read  the  proclamation.    It  is  posted 
everywhere. 

BERNARD 

You  .  .  .  Mother  .  .  .  Marianne  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLlNCK 

I  gave  him  my  word. 

BERNARD 

Father  .  .  .  forgive  me  .  .  .  {In  tones  of  mortal  agony) 
Dear  Lord  Jesus,  save  my  poor  mother,  save  my 
little  sister  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLlNCK  (with  stem  compassion) 

Be  still,  Bernard;    we  must  take  our  medicine  like 
men. 

BERNARD 

Forgive  me,  forgive  me.  Father. 

DR.    ESTERLlNCK 

There  is  nothing  to  forgive. 

BERNARD 

Killed  you  —  killed  you  all .  . . 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  71 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

You  did  what  you  had  to  do. 

BERNARD 

To  die  —  all  of  us  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

The  general  —  must  —  be  —  told. 

\^The    conversation    in    the  dining  room    stops.     The 

door  opens. 

BERNARD 

Now  .  .  .  now  .  .  .  he's  coming!  'is^\^. 

[_Marianne  and  the  general  enter. 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  {calmly  to  Marianne) 

Go  to    your  room,  Marianne.     (She    hesitates  and 
looks  from  her  father  to  Bernard)     Don't  be  afraid  . . . 

MARIANNE 

I'm  not  afraid,  Father  ... 
GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN  (when  Marianne  has  gone) 
A  beautiful  young  girl! 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

And  good  as  she  is  beautiful  .  .  .  (Looking  fixedly  at 
Bernard)     And  brave  as  she  is  good. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

That  may  well  be. 

DR.  ESTERLINCK 

General  von  Wahlhayn  ...  I  — 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

And  now  will  you  have  the  goodness  to  wake  up 
my  Chief  of  Staff? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

General .  .  .  I .  .  .  cannot  waken  him  ... 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN 

How  so?    How  so? 


7e  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

General,  your  Chief  of  Staff  . .  .  has  been  shot . .  .  I  — 

BERNARD 

I  —  I  shot  him  .  .  .  He  was  following  my  sister. 
{Under  his  breath)  Dear  Lord  Jesus  .  .  .  save  my 
mother  .  .  .  save  my  sister. 

CURTAIN 


THE  THIRD  ACT 

Scene  is  the  same  as  in  Acts  I  and  II 

MARIANNE 

Shot!  .  .  .  shot!  ...  At  dawn  .  .  . 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Was  I  asleep?  .  .  .  oh,  yes  —  now  I  remember  .  .  . 
And  I  dreamed  ...  Or  —  was  I  asleep? 

MARIANNE 

Yes,  Mother,  you  w^ere  asleep. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Well,  then  ...  I  dreamed  —  that  we  were  in  this 
room   together  —  you   and   I  —  all   alone  —  and  it 
was  morning  ... 
MARIANNE  (fearfully) 

Do  you  know  what's  going  to  happen  in  the  morning. 
Mother? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

It  was  morning  —  and  I  called  your  father  .  .  .  He 
didn't  come  .  .  .  Nor  Bernard  .  .  .  But  Baldwin —  {Her 
face  lights  up  happily)     Baldwin  heard  me  .  .  .  He 
answered  me  ...  He  came  .  .  . 
MARIANNE  (grips  her  mother's  hands) 
Your  hands  are  so  cold  .  .  .  Mother! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

He  has  never  been  away  from  home  so  long  before 
.  .  .  He  was  hungry  —  was  my  boy   .   .   .  And  he 
wanted  his  coffee  .  .  I  got  out  his  old  cup  with  the 
hunter  on  it .  .  .  He  always  called  it  a  soldier  .  .  . 
{^Stcddenly  she  falls  silent 


74  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MARIANNE 

Mother  ...  do  you  think  it's  going  to  happen  . . . 
really.'* 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

And  I  was  so  happy  when  he  gave  up  the  notion  of 
being  a  soldier,  and  promised  Papa  to  study  and 
go  to  the  Sorbonne  ...  I've  put  his  clean  clothes  on 
the  chair  .  .  .  My  little  Baldwin!  .  .  .  home  at  last! 
.  .  .  And  I  got  out  his  cup  .  .  .  and  then  —  I  woke 
up  —  and  .  .  .  {She  lookes  around  her  in  a  dazed  way) 
He  isn't  here  at  all  .  .  .  He  isn't  home  at  all.  .  . 

MARIANNE 

Oh,  Mother,  it's  not  true  that  we're  going  to  be 
shot  at  dawn  .  .  .  shot!  At  dawn!  Mother!  .  .  .  Are 
we?  .  .  .  If  there's  a  God  in  Heaven,  we  can't  be  .  .  . 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

They  don't  care  for  God  in  Heaven  when  there's 
war  .  .  .  He  was  standiag  right  there  .  .  .  and  then, 
I  woke  up  .  .  . 

MARIANNE 

We'll  soon  be  with  Baldwin  now. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

When  my  boys  were  little,  I  planned  a  great  future 
for  them  .  .  .  Baldwin  was  all  for  war  — 

MARAINNE 

The  sky's  getting  lighter  .  .  . 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Always  drums  and  a  soldier  suit  ...  I  thought  per- 
haps —  some  day  —  he  might  be  a  great  general  .  .  . 
Or  a  Chief  of  Staff  .  .  .  What  is  it  about  the  Chief 
of  Staff,  Marianne  .  .  .  ? 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 75 

MARIANNE  (at  the  window) 

Paul's  fighting  for  us  ...  He  won't  know  .  .  . 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

I  planned  a  great  future  for  my  boys.  Marianne  will 
make  a  fine  match —  the  daughter  of  a  surgeon  —  and 
the  burgomaster  —  the  burgomaster's  daughter. 

MARIANNE 

We'll  be  shot  .  .  .  and  Paul  won't  know  .  .  . 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

I've  tried  to  be  a  good  mother  ...  It  isn't  easy.  Boys 
will  be  boys.  They're  good  boys,  too  .  .  .  Why  are 
we  waiting  here?  .  .  .  Father  was  always  fondest  of 
the  girl  —  you,  Marianne  .  .  .  But  proud  of  the  boys! 
—  Great,  big,  strapping  boys! 

MARIANNE 

It'll  soon  be  all  over  for  us.  Mother  .  .  .  Poor  Father! 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {mechanically) 

Poor  Father!  .  .  . 
MARIANNE  {putting  her  arms  around  her  mother) 

We  won't  be  parted  .  .  .  we'll  all  be  together  ...  at 

the  last. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

At  the  last .  .  . 

MARIANNE 

Mother,  why  do  you  look  so  —  Don't  you  under- 
.  stand?     They  We  going  to  shoot  us  .  .  .  Father  and 
Bernard  and  you  and  me,  your  poor  Marianne  .  .  . 
And  Paul  will  live  and  marry  some  one  else  .  .  . 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

No,  no,  no,  not  you  .  .  .  not  Bernard  .  .  .  Father 
and  I  —  together  .  .  .  But  we  must  look  after  the 
children  ...  we  must  look  after  them. 


76  PAWNS  OP  WAR 

MARIANNE 

I  shall  never  see  Paul  again  .  .  .  Mother  —  give  me 
your  hand  .  .  .  Mother  —  are  you  afraid?. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

We  must  look  after  our  children.    W«  muit  »ee 
that  they  are  safe. 
MARIANNE  {lifting  the  curtain) 

Mother  —  the  stars  are  all  gone  —  only  one  left  in 
the  sky  —  Vay  over  there  —  in  the  east  —  a  light  is 
breaking  through  .  .  .  Mother  —  are  you  afraid  .^^  .  .  . 
Mother  —  speak  to  me  .  .  .  Mother  —  is  it  the  dawn? 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

It's  not  going  to  happen.  God  won't  let  such  a 
thing  happen. 

MARIANNE 

What  do  they  care  for  God,  —  these  generals  who 
order  girls  shot!  Think  of  Leonie!  For  hours  and 
hours  she  stayed  in  that  empty  house,  telephoning 
to  our  people.  She  was  only  seventeen.  .  ,  But  they 
shot  her  .  .  .  I'm  thinking  of  her  now,  Mother  ...  I 
want  to  think  of  her.  She  was  not  afraid.  She 
stood  up  hke  a  queen,  and  they  shot  her  through 
the  heart  .  .  .  Do  they  always  shoot  through  the 
heart.  Mother? 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Hush,  Marianne!    They'll  hear  you  and  take  you 

away  from  me  .  .  . 

\\A  cock  crows. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (looks  out  of  the  vnndow) 

Old  Tip  is  crowing  .  .  .  now  it's  coming  — 
MARIANNE  {fearfully,  closing  her  eyes) 

The  dawn!  .  .  . 


PAWNS  OF  WAR 77 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Why  are  we  not  sleeping  in  our  beds  like  Christians? 
.  .  .  The  house  is  so  still  .  .  .  like  death  .  .  .  Listen! 
.  .  .  The  birds  are  beginning  to  sing. 

MARIANNE 

Mother  ...  I  can't  bear  it  —  never  to  hear  the  birds 
sing  in  the  yard  again  .  .  .  never  to  see  another  day 
.  .  .  I'll  go  to  the  general  .  .  .  I'll  beg  the  general  to 
let  us  live  ...  on  my  knees  ... 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  yes,  he  mustn't  harm  Bernard  .  .  .  One  is  enough. 
They  mustn't  take  Bernard,  too. 

MARIANNE 

What  have  we  done  .  .  .  ?  Our  people  are  peaceful. 
We  only  ask  to  be  let  alone.  And  these  strange 
soldiers  come  along  and  drive  us  into  our  graves  .  .  . 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

Ritta  is  making  the  coffee  ...  It  smells  good,  doesn't 
it,  Marianne.'^ 

MARIANNE 

Mother!  .  .  .  Look  at  me  ...  Do  you  forget? 

MRS.  ESTERLINCK 

The  clock  is  running  down.     I  forgot  to  wind  it  .  .  . 

So  much  trouble. 

[^Mrs.  Esterlinck  presses  her  hand  to  her  head. 

MARIANNE 

Poor  Mother! 

\^She  kisses  her  mother. 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Call  your  father,  Marianne  .  .  .  Bring  Papa  here  .  .  . 
MARIANNE  (rattling  the  door  knob) 
They  have  locked  the  door. 


78  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

Why  have  they  locked  the  door? 
MARIANNE  {shaking  the  door) 

Open  this  door!    Open  ...  , 

MRS.  ESTERLINCK  {uot  raising  her  voice) 
Papa!  .  .  .  Bernard!  .  .  .  Come! 
man's  voice  {the  other  side  of  the  door) 

Was  gibfs? 

MARIANNE 

open  that  door.     {Wildly)  Open  it!    Open  it! 
[^The  door  is  opened  suddenly ,  and  Marianne  starts 
out  of  the  room.     The  guard  blocks  her  way. 

GUARD 

It  is  forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

I  want  my  father  —  my  brother  .  . . 

GUARD 

It  is  forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

My  mother  here  —  she  wants  to  see  them  .  .  .  We 
must  see  them  .  .  .  speak  to  them  .  .  . 

GUARD 

It  is  forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

My  own  father!    In  our  own  house!     {Trying  to 
jmsh  past  the  guard)     Let  me  pass  .  .  . 

GUARD 

It  is  forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

Who  are  you  to  forbid  us  —  anything  —  here  —  in 
our  own  house  .  .  .  My  own  brother  . . . 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  79 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK 

My  son  .  .  .  my  husband  —  the  burgomaster  .  .  . 
[^Marianne  tries  to  get  through  the  door, 

aiARIANNE  {calls  OUt) 

Father!  .  .  .  Bernard! 
{The  guard  pushes  her  hack  again, 
GUARD  (stolidly) 
It  is  forbidden. 

MARIANNE 

Why  doesn't  God  strike  you  dead? 
A  man's  voice 
Die  Damen  trinhen  jetzt  Kaffee. 

GUARD 

Ach,  so!     (Takes  Marianne  and  her  mother  by  the 
arm)   Die  Damen  trinken  jetzt  Kaffee.    The  ladies 
shall  now  drink  their  coffee. 
{Marianne  tries  to  free  herself  from  his  hold. 

MRS.   ESTERLINCK 

No,  no,  Marianne  —  don't!  He  might  hurt  you. 
{The  guard  half-carries  Marianne  into  the  dining 
room.  Mrs.  Esterlinck  follows  passively.  A  small 
detachment  of  German  soldiers  marches  by  singing: 


i^ 


w 


S^^SI 


In  der  Hei  -  mat,   in  der      Hei-mat,  da  gibts  ein  Wie-der  pehn 
In  the  home  land,  in  the  home  land,  there  we  shall  meet  a  -  gain 

Dr,  Esterlinck  enters  accompanied  by  General  von 
Wahlhayn.  He  listens  to  the  words  of  the  song,  sets 
his  teeth  together,  terribly  shaken, 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

God! 


80  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

If  it  were  only  myself  .  .  .  But  my  duty,  Dr.  Ester- 
linck  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Do  what  you  must. 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

My  honor  — 

DB.   ESTERLINCK 

Only  —  get  it  over  with  —  quickly ! 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

If  there  is  anything  —  {Dr.  Esterlinck  starts  as  though 
to  speaky  stops  and  closes  his  eyes  a  few  seconds)  —  any- 
thing —  at  all  possible  —  that  I  can  do  .  .  . 
DR.  ESTERLINCK  (quietly  as  though  to  himself) 

Twenty-four  hours  ago  this  was  a  peaceful  village; 
life  wasn't  such  a  bad  business  ...  I  had  plans  .  .  . 
Now  —  my  wife  —  my  children  .  .  .  (He  is  unable 
to  go  on  for  a  minute  and  they  stand  together  in  silence.) 
Now  our  people  are  homeless  —  the  town  is  choked 
with  blood  .  .  .  My  youngest  lies  —  {His  voice  fails 
for  the  second  time)  And  now  —  the  one  boy  left 
me  —  he,  too !  .  .  .  My  wife !  .  .  .  And  my  girl !  Your 
Excellency  —  it  is  horrible  .  .  .  Must  they  —  they, 
too  .  . .  ? 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

Dr.  Esterlinck,  I  owe  you  my  life  —  and  if  it  were 
mine  to  give — you  should  go  —  unharmed — you  and 
yours;  but  my  life  is  not  my  own;  it  is  pledged  to  the 
honor  of  the  Fatherland;  I  am  general  of  the  Sixteenth 
Division;  the  order  has  been  given;  the  proclamation 
is  posted  on  your  walls;  my  Chief  of  Staff  has  been 
shot  down  in  this  house;  there  is  no  way  out. 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  81 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Shoot  me.  I  ask  nothing  for  myself.  Shoot  me. 
I  am  ready  .  .  .  And  my  boy  —  if  you  must  .  .  .  But 
my  poor  wife !  . .  .  My  girl !  Put  yourself  in  my  place; 
if  it  were  your  wife,  your  Excellency  —  if  it  were 
your  daughter;  if  you  had  a  daughter  like  mine  .  .  . 
Your  Excellency  —  can  you  find  it  —  in  your 
heart  —  to  have  them  — 
[He  breaks  down,  groaning. 

GENERAL  VON  WAHLHAYN    {suddenly   mokes   a   tremen- 
dous decision) 

No,  no.  Dr.  Esterlinck,  not  your  wife  and  daughter 
...  I  couldn't  .  .  .  No,  no!  Dr.  Esterlinck,  your 
wife  and  daughter !  —  they  are  safe ! 

DR.  ESTERLINCK  {in  a  horrible  revulsion  of  joy) 
A-h-h !  .  .  .  Thank  you,  General  .  .  . 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

I'll  take  you  in  to  them  .  .  .  You  can  tell  them  — 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

No.  No.  Don't  do  that  .  .  .  They  couldn't  stand  it 
.  .  .  Afterward  —  tell  them  —  why  ...  I  mustn't 
make  it  harder  for  them  .  .  . 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

Whatever  I  can  do  .  .  . 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Perhaps  it  would  be  better  to  take  them  along  .  .  . 
Who  knows  how  long  they'll  have  a  crust  to  eat 
—  or  a  roof  over  their  heads  .  .  . 

GENERAL   VON   WAHLHAYN 

The  house  shan't  be  harmed.     I'll  see  that  they're 

cared  for. 

[_Sound  of  many  footsteps  approaching. 


82  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

They're  coming  .  .  . 

GENERAL  VON   WAHLHAYN 

They're  bringing  in  your  son  .  .  .  You'll  have  some- 
thing to  say  to  him. 

DR.    ESTERLINCK 

Yes.  He's  so  young.  He  doesn't  want  to  —  die. 
That's  natural.  All  his  life  I've  been  getting  him 
ready  to  live.  I  must  help  him  now.  (General  von 
Wahlhayn  stands  at  attention  and  salutes  Dr.  Ester- 
Imcky  resting  his  heavy  helmet  against  his  wounded 
wrist.  As  the  general  passes  out)  Be  careful  of  your 
wound. 
{Guards  bring  Bernard  into  the  room  and  withdraw. 

BERNARD 

Father  —  is  it  —  now? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

Yes,  my  son,  when  I  have  spoken  to  you  ...  a 
minute  .  .  . 

BERNARD 

Will  they  take  us  —  all  together  —  Mother  —  Mari- 
anne? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

No  .  .  .  not  Mother  and  Marianne  .  .  .  The  general 
—  has  —  promised  to  look  after  —  them. 

BERNARD 

I  want  to  see  them,  Father:  I  want  to  say  good-by  . . . 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

It  won't    help,  Bernard.     You  couldn't   stand   it. 
The  general  will  tell  them  —  afterward. 

BERNARD 

Father  —  if  the  first  fire  —  should  miss? 


. PAWNS  OF  WAR 83 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

It  won't  miss  .  .  .  There'll  be  ten  of  them. 

BERNARD 

Will  they  blindfold  us? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

They  always  do. 

BERNARD 

Father .  . .  you'll  be  with  me? 

DR.   ESTERLINCK 

I'll  be  with  you  —  all  through. 

[_The  guard  has  opened  the  door.    Dr.  Esterlinck  bows 
silently  and  leads  Bernard  out  of  the  room.     Their  foot- 
steps die  away.    Mrs.  Esterlinck  and  Marianne  are 
brought  back  into  the  living  room. 
MARIANNE  {to  the  guard) 
Aren't  they  going  to  —  take  —  us  —  soon  —  now? 

GUARD 

No. 

MARIANNE 

Where  are  they  —  my  father  —  my  brother?  When 
are  they  coming?  (The  guard  goes  out.  There  is 
the  sound  of  the  key  turning  in  the  lock.  Sound  out- 
side of  feet  tramping.  Marianne  springs  up  and 
runs  to  the  window)  Father!  Bernard!  Mother! 
They're  going  to  be  shot .  .  .  They're  gomg  to  be  shot. 
{She  falls  back  as  though  about  to  swoon.  Rushing 
wildly  back  to  the  window  again)  Devils!  Devils! 
You  shall  not  murder  them! 
[One  volley. 

MARIANNE 

Father!  .  .  .  Dear  Father!  .  .  .  Bernard!  .  .  .  Brother! 
(The  mother   has  become   rigid.    Gradually  she  re- 


84  PAWNS  OF  WAR 

taxes  into  a  strange  passivity.  Marianne^  heating 
against  the  door)  Father!  .  .  .  Bernard!  Can  you 
hear  me?  {She  falls  at  her  mother's  side.  Second 
volley.  Marianne  raises  herself  to  her  knees)  They're 
gone  .  .  .  gone  .  .  .  both  gone  .  .  . 
\_Marianne  on  her  knees  moans  bitterly  and  sways 
from  side  to  side  with  clasped  hands  lifted  as  though 
in  prayer. 
MRS.  ESTERLiNCK  (in  a  strangely  calm,  unmoved  even 
tone)  I  would  Hke  to  speak  to  your  father  a  minute, 
Marianne. 

MARIANNE 

Mother  . .  .  don't  you  know?  .  .  .  Father's  .  . .  gone  .  . . 
(She  tries  to  stifle  her  agony)  Father!  Bernard! 
Gone ! 

MRS.    ESTERLINCK  (samC  tOUc) 

Marianne,  call  him.  (Marianne  does  not  move. 
After  a  moment's  silence)  Bernard  will  call  him  .  .  . 
Where  is  Bernard?  Why  does  Bernard  stay  away 
so  long?  (Her  voice  sinks)  Perhaps  they  have 
found  Baldwin  .  .  .  They  are  bringing  Baldwin 
home.     Let  us  get  the  bed  ready  for  Baldwin. 

MARIANNE 

Mother  . .  .  love  me  . . .  Take  me  in  your  arms  .  .  .  I'm 
all  you've  got  now  .  .  .  your  poor  Marianne  .  .  . 
Mother,  love  me  .  .  .  You're  the  only  one  to  love 
me. 

[^She  weeps. 
MRS.  ESTERLINCK  (a  little  qucrulous) 

Why  are  you  crying?  See!  You  are  spotting  my 
silk  gown  —  my  new  black  silk  gown  .  .  .  (Like 
on*  stunned,  putting  her  hands  to  her  head)     Is  it 


PAWNS  OF  WAR  85 

Sunday,  Marianne?     Or  why  am  I  wearing  my  new 
black  silk  gown? 

MAEIANNE 

Oh,  my  God,  Mother!  .  .  .  Don't  you  remember? 
.  .  .  Mother!  .  .  .  Mother!  {She  lays  both  her  hands 
on  her  mother's  shoulders)  Don't  you  remember? 
(She  shakes  her  mother)  Don't  you  remember?  .  .  . 
They've  killed  them  —  Baldwin,  Father,  and  Ber- 
nard! (Wildly y  gripping  her  mother's  arm)  You 
must  remember  .  .  .  You  shall  remember  .  .  .  Look  at 
me!  .  .  .  Look  at  me!  .  .  .  (She  raises  her  mother's 
face  and  stares  into  the  strangely  passive  eyes  with 
their  set  pupils.  Then,  terrified  beyond  human 
endurance)  Mother,  speak  to  me  .  .  .  speak! 
£She  falls  away  and  shrieks  at  the  unearthly  calm  of 
her  mother's  faint,  slow  smile. 
MRS.  ESTERLiNCK  (pats  Marianne  gently) 

There!  .  .  .  There!    They'll  be  home  soon  now  and 
everything  will  be  all  right. 

THE    END 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY, 
BERKELEY 


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